The Impact of Racism and Discrimination in Classrooms on Student Performance and Social Mobility
Written by: Havana Gibson
In the pursuit of creating an inclusive and equitable educational system, it is crucial to address the pervasive issue of racism and discrimination within classrooms. CREAN's Anti-Racism in the Education System (ARIE) initiative has transitioned to conducting anti-racism workshops in high schools across Victoria. In these sessions, as well as working to build educators anti-racism skills, both students and educators are actively bringing to light instances of racism within classrooms and shedding light on the detrimental impact it imposes on students.
The impact of insidious racism in classrooms goes beyond the immediate emotional toll on students; it extends to affect academic performance and, ultimately, social mobility. Racism and discrimination within classrooms can hinder student success and limit opportunities for upper mobility.
Anecdotal evidence and research studies show that students of colour are subjected to biased treatment—ranging from harsher disciplines to reduced chances of being identified as gifted, and limited access to qualified and well-informed teachers. The repercussions of racism within schools are significant; racism can contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, inflicting lasting trauma on children of colour and lowering their chances of accessing post-secondary education and access to quality employment opportunities.
In Canada, visible minorities and Indigenous children are more likely to face abuse than their white peers. Black students often encounter degradation, harm, and psychological violence in schools. In educational systems, anti-Black racism leads to specific negative experiences for Black youth, who perceive schools as carceral environments marked by neglect, heightened surveillance, and extreme punishments for perceived disobedience. Schools, unfortunately, become the first encounter with the systemic devaluation of Blackness for many Black youth, as Black students are often not treated or seen simply as children.
Some Effects of Racism in Classrooms:
Negative Academic Outcomes: Racial discrimination in schools, such as stereotype-based treatment and overt harassment, is associated with declines in grades, academic and self-efficacy.
School Disengagement: Discrimination may undermine students' sense of value and belonging in the academic context, increasing the likelihood of disengagement from school.
Chronic Stress: Adolescents experiencing racial discrimination are prone to chronic stress, which can contribute to psychological issues such as declines in mental health, anxiety, and depression.
Low Self-Esteem: Students who experience racism may internalize negative stereotypes and develop low self-esteem. Constant exposure to discriminatory behavior can lead them to doubt their abilities and worth.
Negative behaviors: High drop-out rates and self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse
Isolation and Social Exclusion: Racial discrimination in school can lead to social isolation, as students may withdraw from social interactions to avoid further negative experiences.
Peer and Teacher Relationships: Negative treatment from teachers and peers, including social exclusion and verbal or physical harassment, can strain relationships with peers and authority figures.
The project is funded by the Government of Canada.
Links:
How Racism Affects Children of Color in Public Schools
What Is The School-to-Prison Pipeline?.
How does racism in Canadian post-secondary education impact student success and outcomes?
Canadian Education Is Steeped in Anti-Black Racism
Half of Canadian kids witness ethnic, racial bullying at school: study
Racism in Schools: A Barrier to Education among Aboriginal Students
How the Stress of Racism Affects Learning
The Effects of School-Generated Racism on Students of Color