All children in the United States have a right to an “equal educational opportunity no matter what
their race, ethnic background, religion, or sex, or whether they are rich or
poor, citizen or non-citizen” (ACLU, https://www.aclu.org/racial-justice_womens-rights/your-right-equality-education). The reality, however, is that our
educational system does not provide for equal opportunities. Students have very different educational
experiences based on their geography, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status,
etc.
This past month
included celebrations that remember the life and mission of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that it is important for all of us to
consider the question of equality in education.
Education has long been promised as the “great equalizer”—an essential
part of the American dream that proposed that effort and persistence will pay
off. Unfortunately, our educational
system does not live up to this promise.
In a provocative
book entitled, Multiplication is for
White People, Lisa Delpit (2012) challenges the education system to
recognize its limitations. Delpit sites numerous examples of policies and
practices that function to oppress minority students rather than facilitate
their grown and development. She goes on
to asset that “Black males are more likely than any other group to be suspended
and expelled from schools” (p. 15). She
also claims there are a disproportionate number of black males to be labeled as
having special needs. Society has
stigmatized and marginalized a group of students who now function under a
stereotype threat. Social psychologists
have demonstrated that when people see themselves as less than due to a
stereotype threat, they will typically perform at levels that meet the
perceived expectations.
Delpit’s book is a
challenging read. It’s difficult to
openly examine the inequalities that exist in our educational system. It was
difficult for me as a reader to confront my own privilege and recognize my part
in a system that is lacking. But, there
is something to done. Delpit claims that the first step is to “Believe in the
Children”. Believe that each child had
unique capabilities and skills. Create
opportunities for learning and expect children to perform to their capabilities.
Additionally Delpit pushes educators to
be courageous, learn humility, and look and listen for who is missing. We can all be empowered to foster change and
continue the important work started by so many great leaders such as Dr. King.
Delpit, L. (2012). “Multiplication is for
White People”: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children. New
York, NY: The New Press.
