"Learn from Me": The Imperative of Recognizing Past Discriminatory Behaviors in Education

In the annals of history, education has been both a beacon of hope and a tool of oppression. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancements that promise to democratize access to education, it is imperative to reflect on past discriminatory behaviors and ensure we do not repeat them. The mantra "Learn from Me" serves as a poignant reminder of this responsibility. Technology can serve to promote the pro-western dominant western singularity of bias towards people of color but we must not allow it to move in that direction. We must hold administrators, leaders accountable to not be performative and theatrical but be transformative in their actions.

Historical Context

The U.S. educational system has witnessed several landmark cases and events that have shaped its trajectory:

1. Ruby Bridges' Desegregation Act (1960): Ruby Bridges' brave act of attending the all-white William Frantz Elementary School, amidst vehement protests and threats, became a symbol of the struggle against racial segregation in schools.
2. Mendez v. Westminster (1947): This case challenged the segregation of Mexican and Mexican American students in California schools, marking a significant victory against the "separate but equal" doctrine.
3. Uvalde School Walkouts (1970s): In the 1970s, Mexican American students in Uvalde, Texas, staged walkouts to protest discriminatory practices and the lack of representation in their curriculum. Their brave act highlighted the systemic biases faced by Mexican American students and the need for a more inclusive educational system.
4. Brown v. Board of Education (1954): This iconic case challenged racial segregation in public schools, leading to a unanimous decision that declared such segregation unconstitutional.
5. Affirmative Action Ruling (2023): The recent Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action in higher education has reignited debates about equity, access, and representation1.

The Lessons of the Past

These cases and events highlight the systemic barriers that Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) have historically faced in the realm of education. These barriers were not mere oversights but deliberate actions to maintain a status quo that favored a particular demographic. Has this changed much in higher education where we still see administrators and leadership represented in mostly the dominant culture, but the students that are attending these institutions has changed to a more diverse representation of the United States as we shift towards a more diverse population. When will education be representative of this shift in student demographics not just in diversity of culture but in diversity of input and introspection of the epistemological perspectives of the students we are serving?

The Path Ahead

In our journey through the intricate landscape of the 21st century, the echoes of history serve as both a guide and a warning. The mantra "Learn from Me" is more than a call to recollection; it's an urgent appeal for action, introspection, and transformation. This mantra emphasizes the significance of deeply engaging with historical events, offering them the comprehensive attention they warrant. By immersing ourselves in the lessons of each event, we gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of those affected. This understanding should fortify our resolve to prevent the recurrence of such events. Yet, it's disheartening to observe that, even today, our nation's educational leadership and boards remain predominantly of the dominant class creating echo chambers that don't reflect the diverse student demographics of the United States.

To truly foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment, we must:

1. Acknowledge Past Wrongs: Recognizing and understanding past discriminatory behaviors is the first step towards rectification.
2. Diversify Leadership: Challenge the overwhelming whiteness of educational leadership and boards. Representation matters, and leadership should reflect the diverse student body it serves.
3. Promote Inclusive Pedagogies: Culturally responsive teaching methods that cater to diverse student populations are essential.
4. Institutional Accountability: Beyond instruction, institutions must adopt an equity lens in analyzing change, policies, procedures, and processes. This ensures better student outcomes, success, and the closing of equity gaps.
5. Address Broader Issues: Consider factors like mental healthcare and ensure that they are accessible and equitable for all students.
6. Leverage Technology for Equity: As online education and AI become more prevalent, we must ensure they are free from biases and promote inclusivity.
7. Engage in Continuous Dialogue: Open conversations about race, equity, and inclusion are crucial for fostering understanding and empathy.

By committing to these principles and actions, we can truly embody the "Learn from Me" mantra, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide our steps towards a more inclusive and equitable future.