The numerous cases of violence and racist behavior targeted at Asians and Asian Americans across the country has left us heartbroken. The rising occurrences of these acts of bigotry are creating heightened fears and concerns in our Asian communities.
As an antiracist organization, ASCD stands in support of our Asian educators, staff, and students, and against the violence, attacks, and discrimination exhibited against these individuals and the diverse communities they represent. We reiterate that every person deserves the right to safety and equal opportunity in this country and that we strive for an inclusive society for all. We at ASCD continue to believe that our schools are the cornerstone for shaping a society that represents the best of these ideals.
To our educators, we invite you to utilize the following resources to address these difficult issues as we collectively do the work to dismantle racism at every level—individual, institutional, structural—and educate ourselves to do and be better. The resources also include materials that can help facilitate dialogue in classrooms and schools to cultivate a just and nonviolent society.
—Ranjit Sidhu, CEO and Executive Director, ASCD
Dismantling Racism
Interrupting the Extremist Pull (Educational Leadership)
Educators have a role to play in helping teens resist white nationalist propaganda.
How to Talk “Taboo” Topics with Young Students (Education Update)
It’s never too early to start building students’ comfort level to wrestle with topics like race, gender, and stereotypes.
Combatting Race-Related Stress in the Classroom (Educational Leadership)
To support students of color, educators must understand the impact of discrimination and racism on mental health.
Who Counts as a Social Justice Educator? (Educational Leadership)
We need to ensure that our teaching keeps up with our preaching about equity.
Providing a Culture of Safety and Care
For School Leaders, a Time of Vigilance and Caring (Educational Leadership)
School safety has become a top priority for principals. But are they taking the right steps?
Willow Taylor Yang on Teen Voice and Gun Violence (Educational Leadership)
An interview with the 16-year-old sophomore and journalist on the Since Parkland project, which tracked nationwide teen deaths from gun violence.
Supporting Students’ Intersecting Identities (Educational Leadership)
By recognizing layers of privilege and oppression, schools can become more affirming.
Facilitating Dialogue
No, Elementary Students Are Not Too Young to Talk About Race (ASCD Express)
Research shows that children can critically engage in conversations with thoughtful reflection, ideas, and questions.
Responding to Hateful Speech in Schools (Education Update)
Educators can hang on to some basic principles as they negotiate issues around student speech in person and online.
Culture, Class, and Race: Constructive Conversations That Unite and Energize Your School and Community (Book Excerpt)
Advancing equity in our schools and society requires deep thought and honest conversations about tough topics.
Courageous Conversations for Equity and Agency (Educational Leadership)
Grappling with tough topics strengthens students’ discussion skills, broadens their perspectives, and empowers them as civic actors.
Bringing Marginalized Voices into the Classroom (ASCD Express)
A secondary school English teacher shares ideas for pairing literature with supplementary readings and current topics so that students consider how identities intersect.
