White Parents and Caregivers' Perceptions of Equity and Antiracism Work at an Independent School

• In Event: Beyond the Theory and Toward Systemic Change: Antiracism in Practice

Abstract

Since the summer of 2020, we have conducted research with one independent school in the Northeastern U.S., as it engaged in intensified diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and anti-racism (DEIJA). In this session, we call upon qualitative and quantitative data to trace White parents and caregivers’ responses to the DEIJA work, and we tease out how their concerns align with characteristics of White supremacy culture (WSC) (Okun, 2021). We argue that in order to best challenge White resistance and sustain DEIJA work in schools, we must understand the roots of their resistance, and we conclude by emphasizing best methods for proactively sustaining DEIJA work in schools.

Authors

• Katherine Clonan-Roy, Cleveland State University

• Rhiannon M. Maton, SUNY - College at Cortland

• Casey Posey Matthews, Beachwood High School

• Erika Kitzmiller, Barnard College

• Michael Kokozos

• Charlotte E Jacobs, University of Pennsylvania