Tools for Educators to Confront Discrimination and Bias

Hello!

Education is at the intersection of many of the systems in our society, and what our children learn shapes our world.

The first week of May marked National Teacher Appreciation Week, even though we believe educators should be recognized every day, particularly given the challenges they have faced in the midst of the pandemic. RE-Center is grateful to every educator who has affirmed their students’ identities and empowered them to better their communities.

May also marks Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage and Jewish American Heritage Month. The contributions of both groups to our world cannot be overstated, yet we know that xenophobia and acts of hate persist – and education is the best defense in combating racism and bias.

According to Stop Asian Hate, nearly 4,000 acts of hate against the AAPI community have been reported since the pandemic, although the group contends this is likely just a fraction of the offenses that have occurred. Anti-Semitic incidents are also at historic highs according to the Anti-Defamation League; 2020 had the third-highest number of reported incidents against Jewish people since 1979, when the ADL began tracking such acts.

We know that uplifting the culture and history of marginalized groups and acknowledging the challenges facing communities of difference is a critical step towards change. We encourage educators and all who are committed to an inclusive world to learn more about ways to confront discrimination and bias and we suggest the resources below to do just that.

16 Asian-American Heroes Kids Need to Know About

Anti-Semitic Incidents: Being an Ally, Advocate and Activist

Challenging Anti-Semitism: Debunking the Myths and Responding with Facts

We Are Not a Stereotype: Breaking Down AAPI Bias

RE·Imagine

• RE-Imagine a world where individuals who hold marginalized identities experience spaces of healing and joy within educational institutions.
• RE-Imagine schools that are safe for all students to show-up as their full selves, provided equitable support that speaks to their lived experience and intersecting identities.

In community,

Andréa Hawkins & Your friends at RE·Center