Perspectives on Speaking Up
The quotes below are from people who work in B.C.’s education system (2021–2022). They represent some of the challenges that can occur when speaking up to interrupt racism in schools and districts.
Speaking up and interrupting racism is important to me because I have a voice and I want to use it, and I was afraid to use my voice as a child and student in the system.
There is fear of the consequences of holding up a mirror to the harsh truths and harms of the racism in B.C.’s education system.
I feel uncomfortable as it may be a person in a senior-level position making a racist comment.
There could be positional power that can affect my career — the person being racist or not seeing unconscious bias may not be open to feedback and takes offense…causing more harm.
What policies or practices exist in your school community or work environment that help people to speak up when a racist incident occurs? What changes could be made to make speaking up easier? Consider what might help you to feel supported and/or confident about speaking up.
Reflection
If you are unsure of how to respond to a racist incident, take a moment to find out:
- What anti-racism policies and protocols exist in your school community or work environment?
- How are district and school leaders confronting and addressing racism?
- What might colleagues, staff members, students, or school community members be doing to address racism?
- What structures are in place, or should be in place, to better support respectful, equitable and inclusive spaces for Indigenous and racialized students and staff?
If there are gaps, consider reaching out to a supervisor or someone in a leadership role. Ask that they put mechanisms in place to better support anti-racism.
