How Schools Can Help Students Experiencing Racial Trauma

With protests shining a light on deeply rooted racial inequities, school leaders are being asked to be on the lookout for racial trauma when students return to class.

Kadee Anstadt, superintendent for Washington Local Schools, said they're preparing to make sure students feel safe on a number of levels.

It's not just about keeping kids safe physically, but also emotionally and culturally, she said, which includes having more conversation with students and staff on how to address issues dealing with race.

Several other Ohio school administrators have mentioned similar goals in discussing the new school year.

Shantel Jackson is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Columbus, working with people experiencing racial trauma.

As she explained, racial trauma is a form of race-based stress in reaction to discrimination. Jackson said symptoms include students not acting like themselves, or not reaching their academic ability.

Jackson said schools should have a system in place to allow students to report discrimination.

"All too often those things are ignored or dismissed. I think that teachers can do their best to, when those things are reported to them, to act and do something about it," Jackson said.

Watch: Full interview with Shantel Jackson about racial trauma

This issue can be difficult, especially for students of color in predominantly white schools, she said.

"It does need to be addressed and the student need to know that it's being addressed so they know that their voices are being heard," Jackson said.

Jackson recognizes the large amount of responsibilities teachers already have to take on and says this is why it can be helpful for administrators to work with teachers on protocols to address these issues.

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