Discrimination in School
- TeenToTeen
- Sep 8, 2020
- 4 min read
Discrimination and inequality in education is not a new concept. Education inequality is essentially the unequal distribution of resources to socially excluded communities. Resources like funding, experienced teachers, books, and access to technology are all unevenly distributed. Communities usually disadvantaged by these resources are historically oppressed groups. Segregation and discriminatory practices based on race and sex are some very prominent examples we have seen in our education systems. Even though things like sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious practice are personal, they can still be used as a means of discrimination in a school environment. Whether the educational inequality is based on economic disparities or because of a minority status, it is not right. It is extremely important that we understand the history of educational inequality and acknowledge the current inequality many face so we can make efforts to dismantle this broken system. Everyone has the right to academic resources and a quality education.
Educational discrimination based on race is familiar to America. You would think that since segregation was outlawed that children of any race would receive the same access to education, but this sadly isn’t the truth. When schools began to become desegregated, children of color faced many hardships. Many are familiar with the story of Ruby Bridges; Ruby, in 1960, was the first African American child to attend an all-white school in Louisiana. Like Ruby, students of color faced adversity and discrimination. To better understand historical educational segregation in America, I suggest reading about the Brown v. Board of Education case as well as researching more about Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine. Despite the fact that American schools are now desegregated, students of color are disproportionately mistreated by administration and the overall system. According to the Department of Education, black students are three times more likely to be expelled or suspended in comparison to their white peers. Historically, and unfortunately persisting to the present day, the South has been notoriously racist. Based on a study done by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education in 2015, thirteen southern states are liable for 55% of the 1.2 million cases of suspension involving black students nationwide. Racial inequality in education is very prominent in grade school but isn’t limited to these students. Students of color face challenges in higher education settings and even preschoolers of color face disproportionate discrimination. You read that right, preschoolers! According to the article “How Racism Affects Minority Students in Public Schools,” written by Nadra Kareem Nittle, “Black preschoolers are disproportionately targeted for suspensions….race plays a role in which children teachers single out for punitive discipline…a 2016 study published in Psychological Science showed that whites begin to perceive black boys as threatening at just 5 years old, associating them with adjectives such as ‘violent,’ ‘dangerous,’ ‘hostile,’ and ‘aggressive.’ The negative racial biases black children face lead to high suspension rates that cause excessive absences...preventing black students from receiving education of the same quality as their white peers.” To better understand current day racial inequality in education, I suggest better understanding the school-to-prison pipeline as well as racial microaggressions in classroom settings.
Malala Yousafzai’s story gives us great insight and hope for further change regarding gender-based educational inequality. Malala is a Pakistani activist and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize. She is known for human rights advocacy, especially for the right to education for women and children in northwest Pakistan. During this time, the local Pakistani Taliban had banned girls from attending school. Her advocacy has grown into an international movement. Though not nonexistent, this type of educational discrimination isn’t as prominent in America. Thankfully, education for girls is becoming normalized all over the world but in many places it is still discouraged. In some places it is incredibly difficult to access education or it simply isn't allowed. Circumstances like early marriages and pregnancies make going to school very difficult for young women. Other factors like poor sanitation, no access to hygiene products, and the lack of female teachers make classroom settings very uncomfortable and unsafe for many young women. Even in traditional classrooms where girls have access to education, many are faced with stereotypes and gender-based microaggressions. Despite living in a male dominant society, we are seeing progress in terms of gender-based educational equality.
Discrimination can also be seen on a smaller scale in which individuals are targeted for components of their identity. In classroom and overall school settings, some students are bullied or harassed for wearing things like religious head coverings. Likewise, students of color have been targeted for wearing natural protective hairstyles. Administration seems to label these styles or head coverings as “unprofessional” or “messy.” Sexual orientation and gender identity are also things that can be used to target individuals. Stereotypes and backhanded comments from students and administration can make school environments extremely uncomfortable. Especially if students who are open about being part of the LGBTQ+ community attend a religion-based school, they can face discrimination and ridicule from faculty as well as peers. Discrimination based on appearance and components of a students’ identity will almost always be individualized situations, but it is still unacceptable and must be fixed.
Social class and overall issues of poverty are large factors that contribute to educational inequality. Families living in poverty often have to choose between sending their child to school or providing other basic necessities. If their child is old enough, they might need them to help provide instead of attending school. Even if families do not have to pay tuition, school comes with the added costs of textbooks, supplies, and/or exam fees. Poor children and children from minority groups are not only less likely to be identified as gifted and talented, but are also more likely to require special educational services. Educational inequality between white students and minority students continues to perpetuate social and economic inequality.
Whether the educational inequality is based on economic disparities or because of a minority status, it is never right. Understanding the history of educational inequality and acknowledging the present day inequality many still face is the first step to dismantling this broken system. Everyone has the right to academic resources and a quality education. It is our job to spread awareness and demand equal educational opportunities for everyone.
Name: Nathalia Ramkissoon
Editor: Claire Ottenstein
Graphic Designer: Tiffany Tran
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