By Tyler Banks
In the wake of Black Lives Matter protests, a pandemic, and presidential rallies, the country has been forced to make changes; namely, in the school district of Miami-Dade County, plans are already being put to play as a result of the issues that the nation is currently facing.
Change is inevitable.
With distance learning becoming a new and sudden adjustment for teachers and students to deal with, district leaders have been tasked with overseeing the wellbeing of millions of kids in their respective states.
But, one of Dade county’s biggest possible changes comes after the tragic killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and several other victims of police brutality.
Following their deaths, the Black Lives Matter Movement—which began after the unarmed murder of Trayvon Martin—received an outpour of support demanding justice for those murdered individuals.
National coverage rose as riots began throughout America, the most known being the ones in Minnesota, where George Floyd was killed.
This sparked the nation.
“Racism and anti-tolerance exist today and it has no place in our society. It’s divisive. it’s sick, archaic and cruel. I believe that people in South Florida take our “diversity” for granted,” said Erica Evans, the head of the Cambridge Academy and AP World History teacher at Miami Lakes Educational Center.
“They see people from so many different countries speaking dozens of languages without realizing how segregated many of our areas are,” she continued.
In the midst of this, multiple organizations have been voicing their support for the BLM movement and have announced changes they will make to improve their environments for their employees as well as customers.
Such a change is notable in the school district of Miami Dade County, which has recently sought to usher in a new sense of equality and peace throughout schools.
Despite not having a complete plan rolled out, the possibility itself raised many questions—like if it’s even possible to implement—in addition to whether or not it will have a positive effect on students.
“Holocaust education is mandated and is infused into the English curriculum. Why? Because it was a horrible event that could and does happen to many people across the world. No one is a lesser individual for knowing about it,” said Mrs. Evans.
It wasn’t very long ago when students used the platform, Edgenuity, to do mental health classes that were advertised as Florida’s answer to school shootings and students who suffered from mental illness.
Unfortunately, that didn’t exactly pan out how they wanted. The overwhelming response from students, teachers, and parents was that it didn’t help anyone, and it was a poor use of the class time that could be put towards actually learning. So, there is no guarantee that this curriculum won’t share the same fate.
“I am fortunate that I am able to discuss discrimination and racism due to the subjects I teach. In world history, we can’t help but discuss racism and tolerance because it plays such an important role in how societies developed the way they have.”
But, this curriculum may be a step in the right direction.
School Board member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall issued a proposal, in light of the recent events that exist within the Black community, that would ultimately address racism in schools by creating a student-led task force that would report to the School Board, along with other requisites.
“I think that anytime, we are presented with an opportunity to foster constructive dialogue in our classrooms, it is a welcome one,” said Helena Castro, MLEC’s Activity Director.
“Racism is taught. That’s a fact. Which means anti-racism and tolerance can also be taught. What is the harm in adding anti-racism to our curriculum? It can be beneficial to both students and teachers,” said Mrs. Evans.
In terms of an actual plan for how this curriculum can be integrated, there isn’t one, however, it would make the most sense to start this program while children are young and haven’t completely developed their biases and prejudices. Regardless of where it’s placed, if the plan goes through it will weave its way into lesson plans for all teachers.
“At this critical moment, it is incumbent upon educators to learn more, to build upon what is already taking place in their classrooms, and equip all students with the perspective necessary to have what are at times difficult, but necessary conversations,” says Ms. Castro.
“We all grow when given an opportunity to explore what it means to be an anti-racist,” she continued.
