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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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The Cumberland Valley School District is facing a federal lawsuit over racial discrimination. |
A Long Island teacher’s racist photo caption has resulted in a $12 million lawsuit. |
Emotional trauma and humiliation are common experiences for students affected by racist incidents. |
Administrative responses often downplay the seriousness of racism in schools. |
These incidents reflect broader societal issues related to systemic racism and white supremacy. |
Legal actions can lead to significant changes in educational policies and practices against racism. |
Racial Discrimination in Schools: The Ongoing Battle Against Racist Comparisons
Recent Incidents Show Ongoing Racism
American schools continue to struggle with racial discrimination. In Pennsylvania, the Cumberland Valley School District is facing a federal lawsuit because a teacher allegedly compared a Black student to a monkey. This situation has stirred anger and demands for accountability (Local 21 News).
Similar issues are reported nationwide. One notable incident in Long Island involved a teacher who showed a slideshow with pictures of Black students next to a gorilla, captioned “Monkey see monkey do.” This blatant racism led to a $12 million lawsuit (BET).
The legal responses highlight the seriousness of these matters. Families are taking these issues to court, seeking fairness and change in the system. These lawsuits aim to tackle both immediate harm and broader institutional racism (ABC News).
Devastating Impact on Students
Black students facing these racist comparisons suffer significant psychological effects. Many feel humiliated, ashamed, and isolated in their schools. These incidents create hostile environments, affecting both academic performance and emotional health (ABC News).
Often, school administrators dismiss these incidents as minor “lapses in judgment.” This approach perpetuates systemic racism by ignoring the deep prejudices within education systems. Some administrators even pressure students to stay silent about discrimination (ABC News).
Systemic Racism in Education
These situations reveal larger societal problems beyond individual prejudice. They highlight the ongoing presence of white supremacy in educational settings. Historically, comparing Black individuals to primates has been used to oppress and dehumanize (BET).
Legal actions are essential for challenging racism in institutions. These lawsuits compel schools to acknowledge their role in supporting racial harm. They open doors for policy changes and accountability measures (Local 21 News).
The Psychological Impact on Students
Experiencing racism at school deeply affects Black students. They often feel isolated, anxious, and depressed. These feelings hinder their ability to learn and thrive in educational settings. Moreover, the trauma from such incidents can have long-lasting effects on their mental health (American Psychological Association).
Additionally, students may struggle with self-esteem and trust in educational institutions. This makes it harder for them to engage fully in their education. Therefore, addressing the psychological impact is crucial for their well-being (American Psychological Association).
Defining Psychological Trauma

Psychological Trauma: Emotional harm resulting from stressful events. In schools, racial discrimination can cause trauma, affecting students’ mental health and learning.
The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Education
Cultural sensitivity in schools means respecting and valuing diverse backgrounds. Teachers should understand students’ cultures to create inclusive environments. However, a lack of cultural awareness can lead to misunderstandings and discrimination (Learning for Justice).
Furthermore, incorporating diverse perspectives in curricula helps all students learn about different cultures. This fosters mutual respect and reduces stereotypes. Consequently, schools should prioritize cultural sensitivity training for educators (Learning for Justice).
Legal Pathways to Justice
When schools fail to address racial discrimination, families can seek justice through legal action. Laws like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination based on race in federally funded programs. Thus, lawsuits can lead to policy changes and hold schools accountable (U.S. Department of Justice).
Moreover, legal actions highlight systemic issues and pressure educational institutions to reform. They emphasize the need for fair treatment of all students. Therefore, the legal system is a vital tool for combating racism in schools (U.S. Department of Education).
Community’s Role in Driving Change
Communities play a key part in promoting racial justice in education. Families and local organizations can advocate for inclusive policies and practices. They influence positive change by participating in school board meetings and voicing concerns (National PTA).
Additionally, community support helps students feel valued and heard. This can mitigate the harmful effects of discrimination. Together, communities and schools can work towards creating a safe and fair learning environment for all students (National PTA).
FAQ
Q: What recent incidents highlight racial discrimination in schools?
A: Recent incidents include a Black student being compared to a monkey by a teacher in Pennsylvania, resulting in a federal lawsuit, and a Long Island teacher showing photos of Black students next to a gorilla, which has led to a $12 million lawsuit.
Q: What are the legal actions being taken against these incidents?
A: Families are filing lawsuits to seek justice and address systemic racism, aiming for both immediate accountability and broader institutional change in schools.
Q: How do these incidents affect Black students?
A: Black students subjected to such racist comparisons often experience profound psychological trauma, humiliation, shame, and alienation, which negatively impacts their academic performance and emotional well-being.
Q: How have educational institutions responded to these incidents?
A: Many school administrators downplay these incidents as “lapses in judgment,” which perpetuates systemic racism and often leads to pressure on students who speak out against discrimination.
Q: What do these incidents reveal about systemic racism in education?
A: These incidents reflect deeper societal issues, showcasing the persistence of white supremacy and the historical use of dehumanizing comparisons to oppress Black individuals.
Q: What is needed for meaningful change in education?
A: There is an urgent need for systemic transformation beyond surface-level diversity training, requiring educational institutions to acknowledge their role in racial trauma and commit to significant structural changes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.