Bullying, Hate Speech in Schools: A Growing Concern
The Reality of Hate Speech in Schools
With President Donald Trump now in office, educators have our work cut out for us in dealing daily with hate speech in our K-12 schools, with little training or precedent on how to respond. After the election, Black students across the U.S. and at my daughter’s junior high received text messages asking them by name to report to plantations. Similarly, Latino students got personalized texts that they were being deported, and LGBTQ+ students got messages to report to re-education camps.
Schools, Teachers Need a Playbook for Action
One way for Illinois schools to be proactive against hate speech is by training educators on how to respond. According to the federal government’s anti-bullying website, Illinois has some of the most comprehensive anti-bullying policies and laws in the nation. But we should require school districts to train teachers and staff on how to respond to bullying, the area where discriminatory speech often manifests in schools.
What Can Schools Do?
Schools need to acknowledge that children and adolescents are susceptible to repeating language that has become normal, and that the president’s rhetoric is often racist and sexist. Educators need to know the language that is circulating and how to respond. School districts should replicate what happened when I was a high school librarian in Chicago Public Schools and the news media reported on sexual abuse and harassment in CPS, mainly between adults and minors.
A Playbook for Action
Schools need a playbook, one that doesn’t just punish kids or give consequences, but one that helps teachers and students discuss and respond to the language of hate and helps students build empathy. Educators need to learn to spot this language and be proactive against it. I urge administrators and educators to plan professional development on this, so schools can remain safe havens for our children and teens.
Conclusion
The normalization of hate speech in schools is a growing concern, and it’s crucial that educators take proactive steps to address it. By training teachers and staff on how to respond to bullying and hate speech, and by providing a playbook for action, schools can create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
FAQs
Q: What can schools do to address hate speech in schools?
A: Schools can train educators on how to respond to bullying and hate speech, and provide a playbook for action that helps teachers and students discuss and respond to the language of hate.
Q: Why is it important for schools to address hate speech?
A: Addressing hate speech in schools is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Hate speech can lead to bullying, harassment, and a lack of empathy, which can have long-term effects on students’ well-being and academic performance.
Q: How can educators spot hate speech in schools?
A: Educators can spot hate speech by being aware of the language that is circulating in schools and by paying attention to changes in students’ behavior or attitudes. They can also use their professional development to learn how to identify and respond to hate speech.
