Beyond Book Studies: Antiracist Leadership in Thought, Word, and Deed

• In Event: Confronting Whiteness and Promoting Antiracism

Abstract

There is no shortage of resources aimed at helping teachers operationalize antiracism, and yet principals still struggle to determine actions associated with antiracism. Much of the literature surrounding antiracist leadership centers on shifting mindsets—in other words, accepting that racism is a problem in education. But what do teachers and leaders do once they have committed to antiracism? A foundational understanding of antiracism, facilitated by both racial equity training that unpacks the presence of racism in education and by continued conversations following this training (including book studies), is a necessary first step. This qualitative case study presents data from the midway point of a three year partnership and adds to the literature on how leaders operationalize antiracism in schools.

Authors

• Elizabeth Uzzell, University of Virginia

• Coby Meyers, University of Virginia