Anti-Racism
What Is Racism?
Racism is unfair treatment, judgment, or discrimination based on someone’s race, ethnicity, culture, language, or background. Racism can happen through words, actions, exclusion, stereotypes, online behavior, or unequal treatment. Even small comments or jokes can cause harm. Kindness, understanding, and respect help create a stronger and more united community.
Speak up against every biased remark—every time, in the moment, without exception. Think about what you’ll say ahead of time so you’re prepared to act instantly.
TRY SAYING
“I DON’T LIKE WORDS LIKE THAT.” OR “THAT PHRASE IS HURTFUL.”
Ask simple questions in response to hateful remarks to find out why the speaker made the offensive comment and how you can best address the situation.
TRY ASKING
“WHY DO YOU SAY THAT?” WHAT DO YOU MEAN?” OR “TELL ME MORE.”
Explain why a term or phrase is offensive. Encourage the person to choose a different expression. Hate isn’t behind all hateful speech. Sometimes ignorance is at work, or lack of exposure to a diverse population.
TRY SAYING
“DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THAT WORD?”
If someone else speaks up against hate, thank her and reiterate her anti-bias message. One person’s voice is a powerful start. Many voices together create change.
TRY SAYING
“THANKS FOR SPEAKING UP, ALLISON. I AGREE THAT WORD IS OFFENSIVE AND WE SHOULDN’T USE IT.”
-
Speak up against every biased remark—every time, in the moment, without exception. Think about what you’ll say ahead of time so you’re prepared to act instantly.
TRY SAYING
“I DON’T LIKE WORDS LIKE THAT.” OR “THAT PHRASE IS HURTFUL.”
-
Ask simple questions in response to hateful remarks to find out why the speaker made the offensive comment and how you can best address the situation.
TRY ASKING
“WHY DO YOU SAY THAT?” WHAT DO YOU MEAN?” OR “TELL ME MORE.”
-
Explain why a term or phrase is offensive. Encourage the person to choose a different expression. Hate isn’t behind all hateful speech. Sometimes ignorance is at work, or lack of exposure to a diverse population.
TRY SAYING
“DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THAT WORD?”
-
If someone else speaks up against hate, thank her and reiterate her anti-bias message. One person’s voice is a powerful start. Many voices together create change.
TRY SAYING
“THANKS FOR SPEAKING UP, ALLISON. I AGREE THAT WORD IS OFFENSIVE AND WE SHOULDN’T USE IT.”
Our Commitment
We are committed to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued. Through education, awareness, and positive relationships, we work together to stop racism before it starts.
Additional Resources
Ethnic Studies Teacher Resources
Third Grade
Local History: How can we honor and respect the many cultures within our communities?
Native Plants: How does Geography shape culture?
Fourth Grade
Missions: How did Spanish colonization, particularly the mission system, impact Indigenous Californians, and how do different perspectives shape our understanding of this history?
Middle School
Ethnic Studies Unit - Early US History - Braiding Sweetgrass: How did colonialism affect the different cultures living in North America? What can we learn from (rather than about) Native cultures?
Elementary and Middle School Diverse Reading List