I have a student in class who calls the teachers racist whenever he gets in trouble for anything. How can I go about having him understand that is not the case, but his behavior.
Solution #1
tuDaJu
Joined on Feb 2019
204 points
Expert
I would ask for an observer to come and monitor how the class is run. There may be a trigger that may be coming from the teacher that sparks the student or the student may feel as he/she is a target every time he/she gets in trouble and they feel the color of their skin is the reason. Also explain to the student for the reason why they have got in trouble for a better reasoning rather allowing the student to feel because of his/her skin color is the reason.
Solution #2
qyryTe
Joined on Feb 2020
102 points
Advanced
I would do a whole lesson on racism. He is probably exposed to behavior like this at home and needs some sort of guidance. Instead of calling him out, do a lesson on it that involves the history and true definition of racism.
Solution #3
uXaSuN
Joined on Feb 2021
102 points
Advanced
You should have a private conversation with the student to see why he is acting & thinking the way he is and have a parent teacher conference to address the issue with the parents.
Solution #4
aParyR
Joined on Feb 2020
204 points
Expert
It does not feel good to be called racist but students of color have dealt with racism their entire life. Letting them know that they upset you will only be the cause for more in their mind. Relax your mind and do not let it bother you. I would say if the situation continues to happen you could try to see if it is the way you are saying something or mannerisms. Once all these are ruled out you could try to have a restorative circle.
Solution #5
QehaNy
Joined on Mar 2021
102 points
Advanced
I think that, especially in the social climate we live in today, a 1-on-1 chat with the student would be beneficial. The student isn't wrong for how they feel or for the color of their skin, but for their behavior -- this is the message that needs to be translated
Solution #6
tyquJy
Joined on Feb 2020
200 points
Expert
Let the class know that any action that is taken place in the classroom has absolutely nothing to do with race. Everyone should be treated equally. The student's parents should be told of their actions.
Solution #7
Byhuzy
Joined on Mar 2021
204 points
Expert
You can explain to him that he might be taking the teachers comments too personally, and that this is probably not the case (that the teacher is a racist). To reassure him you can ask him who else gets in trouble besides him and show him that it is not just him, and it is not just because of his race.
Solution #8
yDyVuB
Joined on Mar 2021
201 points
Expert
As said by another responder, having someone come into the classroom to monitor behavior of the students seems to fit best with this situation. With a monitor, there is no way that any lies or bias can be strayed from the truth. However, this monitor may have to come in quietly for an extended amount of time because students behaviors seem to change when there is another adult present. I would also give a presentation on the seriousness of race, true acts of racism such as longer prison sentences, and a form for every student to bring home to confirm that they are allowed to watch this presentation and confirm that they have watched it. This will hopefully allow the student to see that these remarks are more than just words and comes from a very serious root of systemic racism in the system. I would hope that they would be aware that I fight against that system, not for it.
Solution #9
JyGaGe
Joined on Oct 2021
101 points
Advanced
I would first notify the students and ask them to have a sit down with the teachers the student calls “racist†and asking them the reason as to why the student is getting in trouble in the first place, while also taking into account the reason the student may think the teachers are being “racist.â€
Solution #10
NaDuZa
Joined on Apr 2022
202 points
Expert
explain why he is being reprimanded & the reasoning as to why something is wrong
Solution #11
tabape
Joined on Oct 2018
300 points
Expert
As a teacher I would have a one on one conversation with the student. I would ask the student to present a project about racism in class. This could give the student the opportunity to research the real meaning of the word. After giving the presentation, I would have a one on one conversation with the student and ask if I am being racist or if his behavior needs to be improved?
Solution #12
MudyJu
Joined on Feb 2020
109 points
Advanced
A solution would be to pull the student aside from fellow students and inform that what he is suggesting is extremely rude,not the case at all and he will be written up. Remind him of the rules of the classroom and inform him that a conference with his parents will be set up and he will be invited to join to discuss his present behavior and the creation of a behavior plan. I would also give an age appropriate lesson on what true racism is and how if effects all people.
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