Principles of antiracist social emotional justice learning

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has increased the emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL) in our schools. Unfortunately, the current approaches to SEL can often perpetuate racial hierarchies, apply a deficit lens toward students, and emphasize the need for student-level change while ignoring the historical, social, and cultural influences that created and actively maintain oppressive environments through which students are required to navigate. Therefore, the authors offer an Antiracist Social Emotional Justice Learning (ASEJL) approach for educators to apply to promote freedom and justice for students through empowerment, hope, and joy. The AEJL approach emphasizes applying Critical Theoretical Frameworks, Anti-Bias Building Blocks, Student and Family Voice, Strengths Based Empowerment, and Homeplace to combat the current colorblind approach to SEL while cultivating the interests and talents of students and families from diverse backgrounds.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional Resources

1. Holcomb-McCoy, C. (2022). Antiracist counseling in schools and communities. American Counseling Association.

This book highlights the multifaceted role of antiracist school counselors in the context of community. It provides foundational knowledge to building an antiracist framework along with practical strategies to engage educational stakeholders as a part of comprehensive school counseling programs.

2. Abolitionist Teaching Network: https://abolitionistteachingnetwork.org/

This website provides resources and ongoing professional development opportunities for educators who are engaged in antiracist work. It includes resources related to SEL, restorative justice, BlackLives Matter In Schools, etc. which can be used to facilitate dialogue and shared learning in addition to changing policies and practice.

3. The Intersection of Anti-Black Racism and Adolescent Development is offered by the National Scientific Council on Adolescence. The report offers a summary of research around how racism impacts adolescent development of Black youth and offers recommendations for supporting Black youth as they navigate key social context of adolescence, including their community, families, peers and social media, and school. https://developingadolescent.org/assets/uploads/research/resources/The_Intersection_of_Adolescent_Development_and_anti-Black_Racism_Council_Report_1.pdf