Learning From Leaders' Perspectives on Decision Making During Racial Conflict: Exploring Multifaceted Challenges of Leadership for Social Justice

• In Event: 63.027 - Learning From Leaders Negotiating Significant Racial and Cultural Conflicts: New Insights and Deeper Understandings

Abstract

Responding to racial conflict is a long-standing concern for school leaders. However, school officials repeatedly seem unprepared when complaints of racism are made. This case study explores various leaders’ viewpoints on leadership decision-making when responding to racial conflict in a public high school. Findings show that leadership for social justice ought to be examined as a politicized collaborative endeavor, with negotiation within leadership teams. Also, leadership during racial conflict is emotionally and psychologically taxing. Finally, leaders’ equity frameworks, faced with competing demands, may become malleable. This study calls for realistic examination of ambiguity in leading for social justice to support and prepare leaders in their own contexts.

(DivisionA, Subsection4a. Descriptors: leadership for social justice, racial conflict, leadership decision-making, equity frameworks)

Authors

• Allison Martin, University of Utah

• Irene H. Yoon, University of Utah