Talking to Students About Systemic Racism
Those advocating for racial justice following George Floyd’s death say white parents need to educate their children about the history of systemic racism in the United States. They say these conversations could help lead to fewer instances of racism for future generations.
President of the South Dakota Education Association Mary McCorkle says she thinks both parents and teachers can play a role in sparking conversations. She says classrooms provide a good setting since many students are curious about the news they are exposed to.
McCorkle hopes the awareness will also lead to the hiring of more educators of color, which she says can help students from diverse backgrounds feel more connected in the classroom.
McCorkle says it’s important to let students lead the conversations, and for teachers and parents to follow up with questions. She says the situation also creates opportunities for school districts to enhance their curriculum to have a more accurate portrayal of the nation’s history when it comes to systemic racism.
According to federal data, South Dakota is among the 30 states that have a shortage of bilingual teachers. McCorkle says this issue is a top priority for her organization as a way to help shape a more robust learning environment in classrooms across the state.
