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Race and Ethnicity in Today’s Classroom

Why it’s important and how to talk about it

Diversity in American Classrooms

In classrooms across the United States, the presence of ethnic and racial diversity is a given, even if it isn’t always visible. Teaching in Queens, New York, for instance, offers a daily reminder of the melting pot that is America, thanks to its status as one of the nation’s most diverse areas. Conversely, teaching in a suburb of Pittsburgh might present a different picture, as it is among the less diverse regions in the country. However, regardless of the apparent diversity, the significance of race and ethnicity remains a crucial topic in every classroom.

97% of U.S. Americans live in an already diverse
community or a community that is growing more
diverse each year. – Keating, Dan, and Laris Karklis. “Where the Country Is Becoming More Diverse.”

The Influence of Race

Race plays an integral role in American society, constantly highlighted in the news, pop culture, and social media. As the United States grows more diverse each year, it’s critical to prepare students to understand their identities and how they relate to the broader societal framework. The latest demographic trends indicate that Generation Alpha, born after 2013, will be the first generation in which white individuals do not constitute the majority. This shift underscores the necessity of addressing race and ethnicity in educational settings.

Discrimination and Its Consequences

Discrimination based on ethnicity or race is a reality for nearly every minority group in America. Alarmingly, by the age of 10, children are not only aware of racial discrimination but also understand its social repercussions. The adverse effects of ethnic and racial discrimination have been documented across major minority groups, including Black, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American communities. Perceived discrimination is linked to various negative outcomes, such as mental health issues, academic struggles, and behavioral problems.

Percentage of Adolescents Who Have Experienced
Ethnic-Racial Discrimination by Group


Based on findings from a review that included 26 studies
conducted across the U.S. Though precise data were not
found for Native American adolescents, there is qualitative
evidence to suggest that discrimination is experienced by
the vast majority of Native American youth in the United
States

Safeguarding Students from Discrimination

Educators have a pivotal role in protecting students from the detrimental effects of discrimination and preparing them to succeed in a diverse society. Both minority and majority group students can experience or engage in discriminatory behavior. Research suggests that fostering a strong ethnic-racial identity can mitigate the harms of discrimination and promote positive behavior and achievement.

Understanding Ethnic-Racial Identity

Ethnic-racial identity (ERI) is a fundamental aspect of every student’s self-concept, encompassing both minority and majority groups. ERI involves an individual’s perception of their ethnic heritage, racial identity, and the significance of these identities throughout their life. It also includes their feelings and opinions about their ethnicity and race.

ERI development typically begins in adolescence and evolves throughout a person’s life, with significant milestones often occurring in young adulthood. This stage is crucial for ERI due to adolescents’ growing ability to understand broader social systems, existing inequalities, and the formation of moral and social capacities.

ERI acts as a protective factor for adolescents against discrimination. For all ethnic-racial groups, including white students, ERI development is considered essential for healthy adolescent adjustment.

Measuring ERI

Researchers have broken down ERI development into two main components: process and content. The content of ERI includes:

  • Affirmation: Feelings towards one’s ethnic-racial group.
  • Public Regard: Perceptions of how positively one’s ethnic-racial group is viewed by others.
  • Centrality: The importance placed on one’s group identification.
  • Salience: The relevance of race or ethnicity to one’s life.

The process of ERI development involves:

  • Exploration: Engaging in activities and thoughts that enhance understanding of ERI.
  • Resolution: Deciding how significant ERI will be in one’s overall identity.

Promoting ERI in the Classroom

  1. Self-Reflection: Educators should reflect on their own ERI to understand how it influences their perspectives and interactions. This self-awareness is crucial for facilitating honest and healthy conversations with students.
  2. Open Dialogue: Encourage open discussions about diversity, injustice, and social inequalities. Providing a safe space for these conversations helps students develop healthy communication skills and understand different perspectives.
  3. Identity Development: Help students explore and develop their ERI by offering safe spaces, structured curriculums, and opportunities for discussion. This support can ignite curiosity and interest in their identities.
  4. Honor Affinity and Diversity: While diverse environments are valuable for ERI development, it’s also important to provide opportunities for students to engage within their affinity groups. Shared experiences within these groups can be protective and enlightening.

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