Answer:
Systemic racism in education, particularly in high schools and beyond, is a pervasive issue that can have significant effects on the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students of color. There are several facts that illustrate the extent of this problem. First, students of color are disproportionately disciplined and suspended compared to their white counterparts. Second, they are often placed in lower tracks or courses that offer fewer opportunities for advanced learning. Third, students of color frequently face unconscious bias from teachers and administrators, which can affect everything from grading to recommendations for college admissions. Finally, students of color are underrepresented in higher education, which can limit their opportunities for upward mobility.
One real-life example of systemic racism in education is the story of Texas high school student Ahmed Mohamed. In 2015, Mohamed, who is Muslim and of Sudanese descent, brought a homemade clock to school to show his engineering teacher. However, the clock was mistaken for a bomb, and Mohamed was handcuffed and arrested. While the incident itself was a clear case of racial profiling, it also revealed the ways in which systemic racism operates in schools. Mohamed was suspended from school for three days, and his family ultimately decided to move to Qatar. The incident drew widespread attention and sparked discussions about the need for schools to address racial bias.
Another example of systemic racism in education can be seen in the case of Harvard University's admissions policies. In 2018, the university was sued for allegedly discriminating against Asian American applicants. While Harvard maintained that it considers race as just one of many factors in its admissions process, the case highlighted the ways in which admissions policies can be influenced by unconscious bias. This bias can manifest itself in many ways, such as the expectation that students of certain races should be "well-rounded" and excel in multiple areas, or the assumption that students from certain racial backgrounds may not have had access to the same educational opportunities as their white counterparts.
A third example of systemic racism in education is the way in which history is taught in schools. Many high school curricula have been criticized for glossing over the experiences of people of color, particularly African Americans. This can lead to a lack of understanding about the history of racism in the United States, and can perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions. For example, the 1619 Project, a collection of essays and articles about the history of slavery and its legacy in the United States, has been criticized by some conservative politicians and educators who claim that it promotes a "divisive" and "unpatriotic" view of American history.
To address systemic racism in education, there are several steps that schools and educators can take. First, it's important to acknowledge that racial bias exists and to work actively to address it. This can involve training for teachers and administrators on unconscious bias, as well as policies that promote diversity and inclusion. Second, schools can work to provide students of color with access to higher-level courses and opportunities for enrichment. This can help to close the achievement gap and provide a pathway to higher education. Finally, it's important to ensure that history and social studies curricula accurately reflect the experiences of people of color and the history of racism in the United States.