Let's talk about it!

In a total Godwink and collision of events, the question posed to my Education Law students this week was the following:
You are an assistant principal at a high school where less than 10% of the students identify themselves as non-white. An African American male student is frequently sent to your office by different teachers because of disruptive and non-compliant behaviors. You have found him to be a likeable student, but he has shared with you that he feels his teachers do not understand or like him. You have a good relationship with Jason. However, each time he is sent to your office, you wonder if other issues need to be addressed. You have set up a conference with his parents. During the conference, they point out to you that on the campus only 2 out of 90 teachers are non-white. They further state that the posters and art displayed on campus as well as the school’s website do not depict students “who look like our child.”
At this point, how do you address the concerns with the parents? What other actions do you need to take as the assistant principal?
All of my Education Law students had various thoughtful responses.  Erin Bueche (yes, she gave me permission to use her name) wrote something I felt deeply compelled to share with people who read my blog.  Please let me know what you think. I will certainly pass it along to Erin.  

     I think it is about time someone stepped forward to recognize that the art around the school is outdated and not diverse! Let's collaboratively work together and change this! See, I grew up in a rather urban school. I am a white girl who grew up playing basketball with all my black friends. I brought my black friends home; they taught me to double dutch, and we never saw a difference in skin color. I was 5'7 in the 6th grade, and I learned to play ball like a young Michael Jordan... OK now that is a hyperbole, but what I am saying here, is that I would thank the parents for scheduling a time to come in and talk. I am going to stand with them, and it is about time I get put in my place about the school decorations. Perhaps those small changes can make Jason feel welcome and excited to learn, and perhaps his behaviors may change.
     Additionally, why is Jason's behavior so bad? Why is he always getting sent to the office? I must see the data on this student regardless of color. I want to ask Jason a few questions with a counselor and his parents if they allow the counselor, and get to know Jason and his family better. Is there something at home that is bothering him and it affects him at school? Does he struggle with a topic/ certain teacher? Have there been any changes in his life that cause him to rebel? I believe in a social-emotional connection with my students. Building trust with them, even at the high school level, is important. I would ask the parents, "Please tell me more about how you feel about the people at this school not looking like your child."  To what are they referring? Once I get the answer (I am certain I will hear about racial or ethnic backgrounds), I will remind the parents that staff and students cannot discriminate against one another for color: 

• According to my district policy: "A student who believes he or she has been the victim of unlawful discrimination by an agent or employee of the District or knows of such misconduct against another may complain to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Employees receiving complaints or personally witnessing the misconduct shall immediately report the complaint to the school administrator, district office administrator or supervisor."
• It goes on to say, "All complaints of unlawful discrimination, shall be documented on the Student Complaint Form, which is available from the school administrator or other administrator. Verbal reports of unlawful discrimination will be put into writing by the individual complaining or by the person who receives the complaint. Both the person making the complaint and the person completing the complaint form will sign the form; however, an unsigned form will be processed in the same manner, provided the identified claimant intended the complaint to be made." If Jason or his parents believe they have been discriminated against, the policy states that it should be documented on a Student Complaint Form. I must ask if they feel they have been discriminated against based on the non-discrimination policy. 
• If this is the direction the family and Jason want to take, the school administrator or other administrator shall immediately ensure the safety of the student and initiate an investigation of all allegation(s) of unlawful discrimination. The parent(s) of all students involved will be contacted by the school administrator. The completion of the full investigation shall not exceed ten (10) school days when school is in session or within fifteen (15) days during which the school offices are open for business when school is not in session. The investigation may include interviews of students involved, including the alleged victim(s), the perpetrator(s), and witnesses.

Prior to the end of the investigative time period, the school administrator shall meet with the student and parent who reported/complained to discuss conclusions and actions which will be taken and prepare a written report of findings. In discussing the investigation with the parent, confidentiality of student information, and records shall be maintained. I would continue with my due diligence if this continues.
There was a time in my elementary school years that I will not forget. Every student created a ceramic tile in art class that was going to be cemented to a beautiful mosaic art sculpture outside of the library for years to come. Each one of us students made a tile that represented who we were and they all randomly got cemented to the sculpture over spring break. When we returned, we were all amazed at the unity in that design! My tile got placed next to my two black best friends, Alisha and Raven. We are friends to this day, and just so, that sculpture still stands.

I loved her response for so many reasons.  I am currently questioning my own inadvertent denial of white privilege, white silence, assuming good intentions are enough and so much more.  I hope all of my white friends and family are doing the same.  For all my black friends and family, I extend an invitation --- an invitation to tell me more about your own story.  I truly want to listen to you talk about times you have been scared when, even as a young girl, I would have never been scared because I must have subconsciously believed my skin color provided some "Teflon".  I am making it a point to DO something instead of just thinking about doing something.  What are you doing to either show your outrage or to help ensure that one day there is no need for outrage.  

Loving all of you and happy communicating to all,

Shelly

---