Race in the American Classroom: A Needed Conversation
By Wynter Aiken | Published by Feb. 22, 2019
Over the years, it has become the norm for the news — whether it’s TV, online or print, shows stories related to race or racism. But in a classroom setting, this can be uncomfortable and it may simply not be discussed. Rutgers African American Cultural and Intellectual History Specialist Dr. Melissa L. Cooper gave a lecture at Kean about Race in the American Classroom. Held on Feb. 8 at the Miron Student Center, the event drew educators, from neighboring schools like Roselle High School and Union County Community College. They came together to discuss how the education curriculum should incorporate race dynamics, social justice, inclusion, and diversity to make an impact on the classroom environment.
Race division in education stretches back to both before and after the Jim Crow era in the South where inequality was everywhere and racism was alive and thriving. However, despite the Black Freedom Movement, even in today’s society, headlines reveal the continuous divide that exists among the races because the topic is not being fully addressed in schools. Dr. Cooper discussed how education was used as a weapon against blacks, and how Jim Crow was designed to keep black people uneducated.
“There was a thin line between blacks, minorities and education. Having education meant you had the opportunity to think for yourself and help others. It was a move that slave owners could not afford to happen,” said Cooper. “Education was seen as enterprise, having slaves work on university campuses, hearing a lecture take place while cleaning the floor was the only way blacks could get a taste of that kind of freedom.”
The lecture discussed how teaching about racial awareness could be beneficial to not only students, but faculty as well. Recognition of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in the classroom informs the teacher/professor that they are aware of what’s going on not just in their institution but the outside world, too. Educators can exhibit cultural consciousness, using inclusive teaching strategies, incorporating racial diversity into their courses, and have productive class discussions about race. Joanne Laws, a Math teacher who teaches at a predominantly white high school in Springfield, NJ spoke about how she plans on having more involved discussions with her students on race.
“After witnessing some shocking instances in not just my school but outside of it as well, I plan on including a diversity statement in my syllabus explaining my personal background and any previous experiences with diversity,” said Laws. “ Some may not want to admit openly to racial biases or lack of racial literacy but in today’s society, educators and our students need to be more aware.”
Social issues have unfortunately been constructed around race and it’s not something that tends to be thoroughly dissected and thought about. Minorities on the lower scale can be overlooked and like in the Jim Crow era, if the topic is not discussed then it can open doors to more systems of oppression in all levels of education. Conversations involving race and diversity can be a hard topic to understand and lecture on with students but if faculty and students come together using perhaps class activities, lecture PowerPoints, meetings, etc. the subject of race could be easier to digest
“Universities like Kean should take the initiative to incorporate more lectures and classes that focus on the issues of race. You don’t have to be an education major in order to discuss these issues. Students should be encouraged to raise their voices and ask the right questions,” said Cooper.
Dr. Cooper noted that faculty aren’t the only ones who have the power to put ideas into the curriculum; students who are passionate about these social issues can make a difference as well.
“Students are important to our institutions and they should be allowed to speak up on an environment that needs changing.”
If you wish to know more about Dr. Melissa L. Cooper’s background and activism on these social issues please visit https://sasn.rutgers.edu/about-us/faculty-staff/melissa-l-cooper