In a meeting Thursday, Oklahoma’s State Board of Education briefly discussed a need for schools to take the lead on fighting racism.
State Superintendent for Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister says she wants schools to be the first place to fight systemic racism in Oklahoma. Hofmeister addressed district leaders in a letter earlier this month, calling on schools to make sure they’re thinking of racial equality. During the meeting, she echoed the letter.
Tulsa board member Carlisha Bradley said the coronavirus is especially tough on minority students in Oklahoma.
"It’s critical that we as educators go into the fall thinking how do we support students of color in this time, socially, emotionally and holistically as well," Bradley said.
The slaying of George Floyd and subsequent activism by Black people has pushed racial equality to the forefront of the national dialogue. But educators say it’s up to them to make sure young people can absorb the conversation.
