Brave Space: Bringing Middle School Students Together to Talk About Race

• In Event: From Dialogue to Action: Centering Equity and Justice in the Middle Grades

Abstract

Racial disparities are prevalent in every sector in the United States (e.g. healthcare, education, incarceration, etc.) (e.g. Skiba, et al., 2011). In this case study, Mary, a principal, created a series of conversations designed to help a small group of middle school students begin to have more productive conversations about race. The research questions that guided the current study were: How do educators create a space for middle school students to have inter- and intra-racial dialogues? Results suggest:(a) a demonstrated need and demand for spaces that support inter- and intra-racial dialogues; (b) the importance of strategic planning; and (c) the vital nature of developing relationships. Implications will be discussed

Authors

• Beth Beschorner, Minnesota State University - Mankato

• Robbie Burnett, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

• Kathleen Ferrero, Lake Forest College