We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

Individual and systemic racism pervade America’s schools, according to Love. Over 80% of the nation’s teaching force is white (29). Teachers, regardless of their color, bring their biases into the classroom, including racial stereotypes. Studies show that white teachers are more likely to punish children of color than white students, and that these punishments are more severe. Black children in charter schools, for example, are 10% more likely to be suspended than White children (29). White teachers and staff are more apt to belittle and abuse children of color, both verbally and physically. Across the nation, Black students are punished for wearing natural hair styles and for minor infractions, such as cutting the lunch line and refusing to leave the classroom. Schools are increasingly relying on police officers and security guards to discipline students, which sometimes leads to arrests. When educators are called out for their racism, they tend to deflect responsibility by claiming to be misunderstood.

In addition to individual racists and racist acts, America’s schools suffer from systemic racism. White flight from urban centers has resulted in de facto racial segregation in schools across the country. American schools are also segregated by class. Most poor children of color are relegated to under-resourced schools, which prevents them from thriving.