Creating a community of allies: how one school system attempted to create an anti-racist environment

Abstract

This article describes the efforts of a suburban school district—Newton, Massachusetts—to examine the role of racism in the underachievement of students of colour, and to engage in the process of becoming an anti-racist school community for the benefit of all. Written from the perspectives of a white male school superintendent and a black female consultant, both centrally involved in the change process, the article identifies several key elements used in a comprehensive effort to establish anti-racism as a core value in the district. Included is a description of the creation of a professional development course called ‘Anti-racism and effective classroom practices for all’, which provided a common language and conceptual framework for thinking about how to move from passively racist practices to actively anti-racist ones. The lessons learned in this process are shared here in the spirit of encouraging others to act within their schools and communities.