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Zarzour, K. (2010). Racism in Schools Not Being Dealt With: Thornhill Expert. York Region.com. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.yorkregion.com/news/local/article/911241--racism-in-schools-not-being-dealt-with-thornhill-expert.
Summary: “Racism in Schools Not Being Dealt With: Thornhill Expert”
Although many people think the times of racism and discrimination have long gone by, these issues still exist and continue affect minority groups. It is especially disturbing that racism still occurs in schools. According to Dr. Karen Mock, a teacher and educational psychologist from Thornhill, Ontario, racism today may be a response to “'the economic recession, international violence, and changing demographics'” (qtd. in Zarzour, 2010). Minority groups are often blamed for these national problems, which can result in bullying and cliques in schools.
In Newmarket, two twin boys are trying to transfer to another school as a result of the racism and bullying they have experienced at their current school. The boys, both black, have a black mother and a white father; while they experience equality and unconditional love at home, they feel they do not receive the same at school. In fact, the boys report multiple occasions in which they’ve been bullied; once, another child taunted them while wearing a KKK hood. The boys and their parents are unhappy with the school’s response to these bullying and racist occurrences because the bullies did not receive sufficient or effective punishment. Students have also used racial slurs which has resulted in a criminal investigation at the school.
Unfortunately, some school employees do not see racism as a problem in their schools. A powerful quote by Ms. Mock, Thornhill’s Liberal candidate, explains the problem: “'Principals and teachers will go through extensive training on computers or Blackberry use, but roll their eyes when we talk about anti-racism and equality training'” (qtd. in Zarzour, 2010). Perhaps these principals and teachers do not see the racism and discrimination occurring within the classrooms, or perhaps they are too afraid to ask for help because it may appear as a sign of weakness within the school. Also, many teachers are white and likely enjoy white privilege – the hidden rewards and benefits that white people receive purely because of their skin colour (e.g. job opportunities, higher wages, housing opportunities, social opportunities). These teachers are likely unaware of said privileges and may assume all others, regardless of race, receive the same. Obviously this is not true; to bring the issue to light, the school board is providing “counselling, awareness, education, restorative meetings, appropriate disciplinary measures, and additional staff training” (Zarzour, 2010). The school will also participate in a conference next year which will deal with racism.
Critical Perspectives
Teachers, principals and school boards alike need to realize that racism is an issue in today’s schools, whether they want it to be or not. Instances of racism and discrimination happen among teachers, students, and between the two groups. Children who are discriminated against because of their skin colour or ethnicity are at a significant disadvantage. If teachers treat these students differently, non-white students may begin to think of themselves as less intelligent and less valued. Their self-esteem may significantly decrease, which could seriously affect their academic performance. Constant feelings of being ignored or disliked may initiate a self-fulfilling prophecy within the student. Also, if these children experience discrimination from others, their social skills and sense of self-image may deteriorate. Children need stable circles of friends who treat them as equals; stable friendship groups are important for teaching problem solving, role playing, teamwork, and loyalty – among other life lessons. If children are constantly excluded from friendship groups, they may miss out on these important learning experiences. Furthermore, exclusion based on race can make a child very unhappy, and possibly even depressed; they likely feel lonely and misunderstood which is a dangerous combination. Depression is well-known as the leading cause of suicide among children, teens and adults.
While no one truly benefits from racial discrimination, white children likely experience more privileges than their non-white peers. Like teachers’ experiences with white privilege as outlined above, white children also have hidden benefits due to their skin colour. White students may be called upon more often in class to share their opinions and answers to questions, they may be selected more often for classroom volunteer opportunities, they may have a closer relationship with their teachers, they may achieve higher grades, and they may have larger friendship circles. Furthermore, because white children typically come from white families (unless transracial adoption has taken place), they would also enjoy their parents’ white privileges.
Bringing Balance
While I agree with the school board in implementing mandatory learning opportunities for teachers, I feel it is extremely important to teach children about racism and how to eliminate it. Anti-racism lessons must begin in the classroom because, as this article points out, some children hold racist views already which will continue into their adulthood unless an intervention takes place. Perhaps schools could organize international days where all students must research their own culture and present their findings to the class. Teachers could make this an extremely enjoyable and beneficial experience by having students bring in cultural foods, religious items, or guest speakers. This way, students will learn that everyone comes from a different background. Diversity must be celebrated because Canada is such a multicultural nation. Teachers can also begin to eliminate racism among students by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for hate-related bullying (or any bullying, for that matter). Furthermore, teachers can post a list in the classroom of all the different religious holidays in each month. On the day of each holiday, the teacher can briefly explain the holiday to the class, or have a student who celebrates this day to teach the class about it. Canada is a multicultural country that supposedly celebrates diversity among its citizens; this is not always the case, but teachers can make a significant difference in children’s lives by teaching anti-racism lessons. Teachers are strong role models for their students, so they must act in ways they wish to see among their students.