Racism in Special Education with Jamilah Bashir

I had a conversation long overdue with Jamilah Bashir about racism in special education. I’ll be honest and say that this is not something that I have even thought about until very recently, and yes that is my privilege showing. Hopefully, the old adage of better late than never applies here as well, and I am asking you all to join me in going deeper into understanding how the systemic racism of our culture permeates even the arena of special education, not just so that we have a broader picture, but so we know how and when to speak up and how to fight against it. Jamilah and I discuss the many factors surrounding students of color and special education, the effect of implicit bias on how teachers interact with students, the criminalization of black students while overlooking mental, emotional or special learning needs, the disparity of funding in school districts, how parents of color are viewed and treated when seeking services and the lack of effective diversity and inclusion training. Our country is potentially on a path towards profound change, good change. It’s time for everyone to be a part of the conversation. Silence is compliance.