Why Schools Should Teach More About Racial Justice
Education has always been a powerful tool for shaping society. The lessons taught in schools don’t just prepare students for exams—they help define how young people understand history, culture, and justice. However, many students graduate without fully understanding the deep racial injustices that have shaped the world they live in.
The omission of key historical events, the sanitization of racial history, and the resistance to teaching about systemic oppression have led to generations of young people who lack the knowledge needed to dismantle harmful patterns. Schools must do more than just mention the Civil Rights Movement in passing; they must actively teach racial justice as an essential part of the curriculum.
The Importance of Teaching Racial Justice in Schools
When students learn about racial justice, they gain a deeper understanding of how history connects to present-day inequalities. Teaching about slavery, segregation, redlining, and mass incarceration isn’t about blaming—it’s about educating. By exposing students to historical truths, they become better equipped to recognize and challenge systemic racism in their own lives.
Ignoring racial justice in education doesn’t make racism disappear. In fact, it does the opposite—it allows misinformation and ignorance to persist. A well-informed generation is a generation that can create real change.
The Gaps in Current Educational Curriculums
Many school curriculums still fail to tell the full story of America’s racial history. Some textbooks downplay the horrors of slavery, fail to acknowledge Indigenous genocide, or erase the role of activists who fought for change. When students aren’t given a complete education, they are denied the opportunity to learn from the past.
Some states have even attempted to ban discussions about race in classrooms, labeling them as “divisive.” But avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t prevent division—it prevents understanding. The reality is, racial history is American history, and it should be treated as such.
The Need for a More Inclusive Curriculum
A truly inclusive education would ensure that students learn about the contributions and struggles of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American communities. It would encourage critical thinking about historical events, not just memorization of dates and figures.
By incorporating diverse perspectives, students can understand the broader impact of history and develop empathy for communities different from their own. Schools should not only teach about oppression but also celebrate the achievements of marginalized communities throughout history.
Encouraging Young People to Advocate for Change
Many students are already pushing for more inclusive curriculums. From organizing protests to launching social media campaigns, young activists are making it clear that they want an education that reflects reality. Schools should listen to these voices and recognize that education is a tool for justice.
Parents, teachers, and students must work together to demand better. Whether it’s requesting more diverse books in the classroom, engaging in open discussions, or challenging outdated curriculums, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that education is inclusive and truthful.
History should not be rewritten to make people comfortable—it should be taught so that we can learn, grow, and do better. Schools have a responsibility to prepare students for the world, and that includes teaching about racial justice. By providing young people with an accurate and inclusive education, we can help create a future that is more informed, compassionate, and just.
Credit: Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash.
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