How To Stop Linguistic Racism In School

Do your students experience linguistic racism? Discover how to celebrate diversity in the use of language.

In December, the Government Accountability Office issued a new report that revealed 1.6 million students were subjected to hate speech due to their identity during one school year alone. Half of those incidents targeted students’ race and 24% related to their national origin—many of the antagonistic comments related to how students speak.

Linguistic racism is the linguistic oppression, dehumanization, and marginalization that speakers endure when using a language other than White Mainstream English. It incorporates the belief that there is something inherently wrong with any other language.

To combat this, you can implement linguistic justice practices that recognize that multiple expressions of language diversity are assets to learning and human development. You need to develop an understanding of hierarchies of language oppression that restrict and deny people access to their full potential.

• What is the history of linguistic racism in K-12 classrooms?
• How can you combat linguistic racism in your school?
• How can you encourage learning in your specific context?
• What action plans will ensure sustainability of these practices?