You can make a difference in the lives of your students by becoming an ally.
Building on students’ advice to educators, see how.
Acknowledge underrepresentation in the classroom & create safer spaces.
Still like just him...recognizing that I am underrepresented here, and you know I definitely feel like if there is any sort of racial issues that I am having here, he would be a person to talk to.”
Creating safer spaces for Black students is important and will encourage students to feel calm and more able to engage with learning. Ideas such as creating a calm nook in your classroom, providing opportunity to connect with another person of color, or acknowledging the underrepresentation of people of color in the school system all can contribute to creating a safe and authentic space.
Remember that along with domestic violence, (physical, sexual, or emotional) abuse, poverty, divorce, parental mental illness, incarceration, or substance dependence, racial trauma is also a source of trauma. Check out “Why Safe Spaces are Critical in Today’s Classrooms.”
Moderate racially charged discussions.
“ I’ve heard stories about...those really outspoken people who have...very problematic opinions...and say the most ridiculous things and everyone is offended by it but the professors...want to encourage open dialogue and good conversations and so...they don’t say anything about it and I feel like that can cause issues too.”
Effectively moderating racially charged discussions in your classroom is essential to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom. Stepping into conversations where there is an opportunity to guide and teach about tolerance and understanding is courageous and can lead to stronger connections for students. Here are: Ten Tips for Facilitating Classroom Discussions on Sensitive Topics .
Provide resources that support racial and ethnic identities.
“...giving people the space to express if they want, or giving resources to people who can be helpful to them. I think that’s the very least a professor can do...”
Integrate resources within the community and school that allow for students to connect with their racial and ethnic identities (e.g., community groups, individuals, or even creating prayer spaces within the school or classroom).
Explore ways that racial and cultural identities are integrated into your curriculum. Consider A Framework for Culturally Responsible Teaching to enrich your pedagogy.