[EDEQUITY Immigrant Dialogue] Role of race in teaching

From: Joyce Harris (HarrisJ@nwrel.org)
Date: Fri Feb 09 2001 - 15:56:26 EST


Since the group referred to as Haitians and her comments seem to
suggest that she may be European American I wonder what role race has in
this attitude. I understand this individual is resistant to ESOL, but I
think we need to also consider that race may intensify her negative
attitudes. Whether we like to acknowledge it or not, immigrants from Haiti
are treated differently than other immigrant groups. As educators we need
to explore bias against immigrants that may be racially based.

Joyce Harris
<HarrisJ@nwrel.org>

Responding to Dilys Schoorman in regards to teacher's attitudes

I am still reeling from a conversation I had with a student who is
currently teaching (has been for the past 20+ years) who informed me that
she was "against this whole ESOL thing. ... I am a Native Floridian. These
Haitians are coming into our country and overcrowding our schools. They
talk with this heavy accent and are so rude...." Of course she also added
"I am a culturally sensitive person. I had many Black friends growing up.
I see individuals not groups or cultures." Worse still, on my probing, it
was her opinion that many other teachers in her school felt the same
way!...



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