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Racism In The Classroom

Decent Essays

In 2015, the total number of people killed by police officers in the United States was 1,134, and of that number the death rate for young black men was fives times higher than that of white men (Historic US Event). These staggering numbers caused outbreaks among the community. Black Lives Matter protesters point out… “...numerous incidents as examples of a justice system that supports the systematic harassment and brutalization of black people and does not hold police officers accountable for violence (Opposing Viewpoints). The people were upset. The counts of police brutality were simply going unnoticed and no one had to answer for their actions except for the men who died at the hands of the police. Following the death of Michael Brown, the …show more content…

This was the topic of Gretel Kauffman’s article, “Philadelphia Teachers plan ‘Black Lives Matter Week’: Does BLM Belong in the Classroom?.” Her article does not take a side in the matter, but rather, brings up valid points for talking about race in the classroom. In Philadelphia, a couple of schools decided to incorporate lessons about Black Lives Matter; there were coloring books for young students and science lessons about the biology of skin color for high school students. Kauffman articulated that educators and activists who supported bringing BLM into class plans and classroom discussions say it provides students with an opportunity to learn about and engage in relevant social issues. Charlie McGeehan, an English and History teacher, stated, “this is a critical issue of our time - in our society, but also in our students’ lives… It’s important for us to dive in.” In addition, educators from Seattle’s Washington Middle School also believe that talking about the movement can be beneficial, explaining that, “School is part of society, students and staff are part of society, and so what is happening within our society deserves and demands our attention. This is a ‘teachable moment’ for the Seattle Public School community” (Kauffman). While some people are proponents of the movement and what it stands for, there is also a side that heavily contradicts with the Black Lives Matter movement. Christopher Paslay, an English teacher at Philadelphia’s Swenson Arts and Technology High school, supports equal rights and justice for all students, regardless of race, he feels the movement encourages divisions in society, he says, “it challenges nuclear families, and our justice system… I don’t think kids should be taught that Western Society is perpetrating a war on black people” (Kauffman). Featured in their article, Opposing Viewpoints noted

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