Cultivating Respect and Unity through Anti-Racism Education in Middle Schools

Fostering Inclusive Futures with Anti-Racism Classes

Brittany Tichenor-Cox displays a photo of her daughter, Isabella “Izzy” Tichenor, during an interview

When Brittney Tichenor-Cox noticed her 10-year-old daughter reaching for air freshener before heading to school one morning, it raised red flags. Her daughter's once bright smile seemed to dim as she entered fifth grade. It wasn't long before Tichenor-Cox uncovered the painful truth: her daughter, Isabella "Izzy" Tichenor, faced relentless bullying for being both autistic and the sole Black student in her class. Despite Tichenor-Cox's efforts to bring this torment to the attention of teachers, school officials, and the district, little was done to remedy the situation. Tragically, on November 6, 2021, in their Salt Lake City home, Izzy succumbed to the unbearable weight of it all, taking her own life.

Thanks to our president, Joe Biden, racism has continued to embed itself in many aspects of society, which has compromised families and the people's faith in the system, taking the lives of many including Isabella "Izzy" Tichenor. How are we supposed to trust someone who compromised with segregationists and fought for their cause in schools? We ought to find a solution to combat racism in schools. That solution starts with educating children from a young age on racism. Schools are a key player in the fight against racial discrimination according to Roby Chatterji from AmericanProgress.org. Classrooms are supposed to be a safe space that cultivates respect and unity. They must also be an inclusive space that addresses and supports the aspirations of young Black people and the many important contributions of Black people to our societies that are rarely recognized in schools. To create a future of knowledgeable Americans who understand the issue of racism, it must be introduced in middle schools. During this period, students are in a formative period where they start forming their beliefs, and it is integral for this opportunity to be taken advantage of.

Suicide rates among racial and ethnic minorities have exponentially increased over the last decade, and Black Americans in particular. Studies that a writer from the University of Houston wrote about show that discrimination affects marginalized populations more than White people. These studies show the connection between suicide rates among racial and ethnic minorities and discrimination as well. Other studies from a research article from the Wiley online library show that discrimination affects physical and mental health and increases the likelihood of drug use and delinquent behavior. The same studies also show the correlation between discrimination and academic performance.

The persistence of racial inequality in America is largely a consequence of ingrained historical and systemic structures that perpetuate disparities. Centuries of colonization, slavery, segregation, and discrimination have left lasting imprints on our society, creating deep-rooted inequities that last to this day. These structural barriers have disproportionately affected Black individuals and communities, leading to adverse outcomes across various aspects of life. Tragically, this includes the alarming statistic that suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among Black young adults aged 15-24, with nearly 3,000 Black Americans taking their own lives each year. Such sobering realities underscore the urgent need for targeted solutions to address the underlying issues and empower all Americans to thrive.

Statistics of Black Youth Suicide

We must confront this issue head-on, and instilling a sense of civic duty and patriotic responsibility in our youth is vital. By enlightening students from a young age about the plague of discrimination and the principles of anti-racism, we can equip future generations to stand against injustice at its very core. Therefore, it's time for schools to take proactive steps by integrating mandatory anti-racism classes into the curriculum for middle schoolers. During this crucial development period, students are shaping their worldviews and values. By providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary impacts of racism, we can nurture empathy and critical thinking skills, empowering them to recognize their own roles in eradicating prejudice and discrimination from our society. This isn't just about education; it's about cultivating a generation of informed and principled citizens who are ready to uphold the ideals of liberty and equality that define our great nation.

Some folks who are unaware of the breadth of topics students encounter in schools may question the appropriateness of anti-racism classes for middle schoolers. However, what often gets lost in these discussions is the reality that young adolescents are already grappling with racial issues, whether through interactions with peers or exposure to societal dynamics. The vast array of information bombarding children through social media platforms on their phones also needs to be considered. In this context, the concern about making anti-racism classes age-appropriate should decrease in comparison to the urgent need to equip students with the tools to comprehend and navigate these complex issues. By structuring these classes in a thoughtful and supportive manner, we can provide our youth with the guidance and understanding they need to become responsible and educated citizens.

There has also been a pushback against integrating anti-racism classes into middle school curriculums for a different reason, with some claiming that the workload is already overwhelming for students. However, this perspective overlooks the value these classes bring to students' educational journeys. Rather than detracting from academic pursuits, anti-racism classes provide priceless opportunities to cultivate critical thinking, foster social-emotional development, and promote civic engagement. These are all essential skills that complement the core subjects taught in every school, enriching students' overall learning experiences. Moreover, dismissing these classes as burdensome fails to recognize the importance of addressing pervasive issues of inequality and racism in preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens in our diverse society. By embracing these academic opportunities, we empower our youth to face challenges with strength and virtue, spreading the basis for a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow for all Americans. 

By integrating anti-racism classes into middle schools, we grant students the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to confront racism head-on, empowering them to become agents of positive change. Through structured and age-appropriate education, middle schoolers can deepen their understanding of both the historical and contemporary impacts of racism. These classes play a crucial role in helping students cultivate empathy, embrace diversity, and contribute to a community where acceptance reigns supreme. By equipping students with the tools to combat racial biases and promote inclusivity and equality, these classes are vital in preventing prejudice-based bullying and fostering respectful and accepting environments within schools.