Making Space for Tough Talks in Class

In racist tweets this weekend, the president again used dehumanizing language to describe a place that’s home to hundreds of thousands of people of color. When you talk with students about place, how do you uplift a diverse range of experiences, call out coded language and engage questions of justice? This edition of The Moment offers a few places to start, with recommendations for talking about Baltimore and stories of student and educator action that counter racist narratives about New Orleans and Detroit.
This week, residents of Puerto Rico stood together to demand accountability from their government. They saw their protests yield results with the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. When your students return this fall, you have an opportunity to talk with them about the necessity—and power—of standing together against injustice. These resources can help.
As fans celebrate the announcement that the newest live-action Disney film will feature a black actor in the lead role, we are yet again reminded of the importance of representation. This summer, we hope you’ll reflect on your own practice and check out these resources to ensure all students are reflected in your classroom and curriculum.