As students return to in-person classes, it’s crucial to recognize that many Black students feel unsafe—not only due to COVID-19 but also because of racism and bullying that they encounter in school settings. Recent surveys conducted by the Institute of Education Sciences highlight a stark difference in preferences for in-person learning: 65% of white fourth graders chose to return, while only 45% of Black fourth graders, 50% of Hispanic students, and 38% of Asian American students felt the same.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including fears about COVID’s disproportionate impact on communities of color, a lack of trust in schools’ ability to provide a safe environment, and the slower reopening of schools in urban areas with higher populations of students of color.
The existence of racism and implicit bias against Black students—whether from teachers, administrators, or peers—is well-documented. This has led many Black parents to appreciate the protective aspect of remote learning, which shields their children from these negative experiences. According to a survey by Speak Up, 82% of Black parents in Los Angeles cited COVID as a reason to avoid in-person schooling, while 43% pointed to bullying, racism, and inadequate academic standards.
The Speak Up report revealed that many parents became more aware of how their children were treated during online learning. They observed that their kids often thrived emotionally and academically outside of the traditional school environment, prompting some to reconsider whether returning to in-person classes is truly in their children’s best interests.
Before the pandemic, a significant number of Black families opted for homeschooling, and that trend has only increased. As Khadijah Locke, co-director of the Black Family Homeschool Educators and Scholars, pointed out, racism in schools significantly influences these decisions. This racism can manifest in various ways, such as teachers criminalizing student behavior or failing to recognize Black experiences in the curriculum.
Locke noted that while homeschooling is not the same as remote learning, it gives parents more control over their children’s education and allows them to address issues of racism head-on. With parents present in the home during remote learning, they have a unique opportunity to witness classroom interactions and intervene in real time, something that was not possible before.
The Speak Up report also found that 27% of Black parents reported improvements in their children’s behavior while learning from home, compared to just 8% who said it got worse. Furthermore, 34% of Black parents felt their children received better support from teachers during remote learning, with only 12% noting a decline in instructional quality. Many parents took the initiative to supplement their children’s education by focusing on Black history, culture, and voices, enhancing their learning experience.
The pandemic has highlighted the toxic environment that many Black students face in schools. Valerie Johnson, a developmental psychologist, explained that the negative stereotypes associated with Black students can impact how they are treated by teachers and peers, leading to emotional exhaustion. As a result, many Black students may perform better in a home environment where they feel more comfortable and secure.
While it’s encouraging to see some Black students thriving during remote learning, it’s important to recognize that this improvement often stems from a need to escape an environment rife with racism. As schools reopen, it’s essential that they work to create welcoming, inclusive spaces for all students, particularly those who are Black. Initiatives to train educators on implicit biases are a step in the right direction, but hiring more teachers of color and diversifying the curriculum are critical changes that need to be prioritized.
Moreover, schools should ensure that teachers receive competitive salaries. It is unjust that educators, especially those from BIPOC backgrounds, often earn significantly less than their counterparts in other professions, despite playing a vital role in society. We must advocate for better funding for our schools to provide an equitable educational experience for all students. Black children deserve to learn in an environment that nurtures their potential rather than diminishes it.
For more insights into related topics, check out this other blog post here. If you’re looking for authoritative information, Make A Mom is a great resource. Additionally, the World Health Organization offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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In summary, it’s imperative to address the unique challenges faced by Black students in educational settings. While remote learning has provided some relief, the underlying issues of racism and bias must be tackled to create a truly inclusive environment for all students.
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