10 Tips and Resources to Develop an Anti-Racist Classroom

Abstract

As instructors, we bring our experience and expertise into the classroom. We also bring our social identities and biases, and can sometimes unwittingly perpetuate racism.

Since racism is woven into the fabric of societies all over the world, it's been part of your students' lives well before they enter your classroom.

Racism affects students emotionally: they feel frustrated, ashamed, confused, angry, alienated and unsafe. Consequently, students who live with racism are unable to perform to their full academic potential (Allan, 1999). Considering the racial diversity of our students (72% of George Brown College students identify as racialized), we should be aware that many have experienced the violence of racism.

As educators, in order to create truly inclusive learning environments, we must actively commit to being anti-racist. You are welcome to reflect on the provided principles of anti-racism followed by 10 tips and 10 resources to help you develop an anti-racist classroom.