Did You Know?
In 2016 nearly 24% of black students in U.S. elementary and secondary schools had been suspended at least once, as analysis of the National Household Education Survey (NHES) shows. By contrast, only a third as many white students (8%) and one-sixth as many Asian students (4%) had been suspended. Black students, especially black boys, are more likely to be surveilled and punished for their behavior, even when that behavior is similar to that of white peers who are not disciplined. Some of the significant risk factors at play include one-parent homes, children raised by someone other than their parent, and poverty. (Institute for Family Studies, The Black-White Divide in Suspensions: What is the Role of Family?, ifstudies.org, November 19, 2019)
Food for Thought
When we categorize and make generalizations, we do not clearly see or understand the details. Once we start seeing details, however, we start seeing life in new ways. Opening our eyes and hearts allows us to connect more closely to God (and the life we are meant to live). It allows us to more clearly understand what God is communicating to us – that we are meant to reflect the light of God’s love. How does this effect the way we look at people who are different from us? (Paraphrased from Dr. Rev. Vicki Gordy-Stith’s sermon on July 25, 2021)
We have long been trained to see the deficiencies of people rather than the deficiencies of policy. It’s a pretty easy mistake to make because we see people on a daily basis; policy is distant, and the ramifications of policy may not be seen for a long time. (Kendi, Ibram X, How to be an Antiracist, One World Publishing, NY, 2019, Chapter 2)