66.017 - Research-Based Explanations for Silencing Racism in U.S. Schools and Colleges

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In this symposium, experts will share powerful examples from their respective studies of how educators avoid conversations about race, racial inequities, assorted forms of racism, and racist institutional practices and norms. They will then rely on frameworks and theories from a multitude of disciplines to help explain why talking about these topics continues to be so challenging in many educational settings. Some of this will be placed in larger sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts beyond schools.

To bolster engagement among session attendees, the moderator will present 2-­‐3 short case examples of racialized situations in schools and ask audience members to talk openly about the racial realities that likely undergird them. The point of this exercise is to help colleagues see how these issues can be discussed in ways that do not result in racial injury, embarrassment
and public ridicule, and insurmountable awkwardness. The symposium will conclude with panelists sharing ways that schools of education can better prepare racially literate teachers and leaders who have the experience (rehearsal opportunities) and tools (self-­‐reflective, linguistic, emotional, and political resources) needed to engage in productive conversations about race in U.S. schools. These recommendations will be informed by the research studies each panelist has conducted and the harmonious books they have published.

Sub Unit

• Social Justice Action Committee

Chair

• Shaun R. Harper, University of Pennsylvania

Participants

• Ali Michael, University of Pennsylvania Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education

• Rich Milner, University of Pittsburgh

• Mica Pollock, University of California - San Diego

• Howard C. Stevenson, University of Pennsylvania