"Black students, on average, face lower graduation rates, fewer college pathways, and long-term economic consequences. But racial trauma makes this gap worse. Whether it's being underestimated in the classroom, forced to walk through metal detectors every morning, or exposed to viral videos of police brutality, Black children absorb daily messages that erode their focus, sense of safety, and confidence. Research shows that the stress of combating stereotypes and discrimination even elevates cortisol (the stress hormone), impairing learning and motivation."
"When we talk about racial trauma, too often, the conversation begins in adulthood. But the truth is, racial trauma takes root much earlier, inside our schools. For Black children, the classroom is often the first place they experience race-based stress in ways that affect not just their education but their future opportunities and overall well-being. Schools can be spaces of empowerment, or they can serve as launch pads into the school-to-prison pipeline."
Racial trauma begins in schools where Black children often encounter race-based stress that undermines education, future opportunities, and well-being. Biased perceptions label Black students as defiant, leading to disproportionate discipline that harms learning, self-worth, and contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline by criminalizing minor behavior. The achievement gap reflects barriers of opportunity rather than ability; racial trauma exacerbates these barriers by eroding confidence, concentration, and connection to school. Chronic stress from stereotypes raises cortisol levels, impairing learning and motivation. Effective response requires dismantling bias, changing policies, training educators and clinicians, and creating safe, equitable classrooms that support healing and academic success.
Read at Psychology Today
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