Disentangling the History and Nuance of “Nice”: Anti-Black Racism, Intersectionality, and Ableism in a Highly Resourced School District

• In Event: Equity and Inclusion in Special Education: Exploring Bias, Disparities, and Transformative Research

Abstract

• In this paper we present our own counternarratives as mothers to Black boys of different ages/grade levels navigating a school district that engages in compliance and circumvention, rather than accountability. One of us has a son with disabilities, the other has a son who is not disabled but who has endured significant and perpetual racist and ableist positionings. Our work identifies several specific discursive strategies of white, ableist rhetorics that are employed by teachers and administrators to quell, deflect and diffuse requests for support, including the enactment or appearance of being nice. We critically discuss the juxtaposition of “nice” against the deficit-laden attitudes, perceptions, and actions among school personnel and faculty who perpetuate historical and systemic anti-Black racism and ableism.

Authors

• Lydia L Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Pennsylvania State University

• Kathleen M. Collins, Pennsylvania State University