Surprise! Racism is Still a Thing

Gallup’s recent poll reveals something educators cannot ignore: a majority of Americans across racial groups agree that racism against Black people remains widespread in the United States. But we knew that, right? 

An interesting piece to this whole study though, is the differences in how groups perceive racism. Look: 

• 83% of Black adults see racism as widespread

• 64% of Hispanic adults share this view, showing their own encounters with racism

• 61% of White adults, while still a majority, lag behind in acknowledging racism as a major issue 

Look at one of the graphics from the poll yourself. ⬇️

We can make connections between these numbers and what we see in schools and classrooms today. 

1. Perception Gaps for Students
Just as White adults are less likely to recognize racism as widespread, White students may not perceive or understand the racism their Black and Brown peers experience. They will continue to feel disconnected from each other and make racist mistakes due to lack of awareness, proximity, and learning. 

2. Teacher- Student Disconnect

That same dynamic is going to exist between teachers (predominantly White) in urban and predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods where their students reflect that community. This creates a disconnect that educators must actively address if classrooms are to be spaces of equity and belonging. 

2. Content & Curriculum
The people often tasked with creating content and curriculum within the field of education are predominantly White. Therefore, they fall into that larger category of people who don't believe and/or see racism as a major issue. Thus, that belief, focus, and lack of attention will be embedded in their choices and exclusions when it comes to content. We see that in every single subject/discipline where content is created now. This leads to further disconnect, inaccurate perspective-building, and erasure.  

If educators themselves (and they do!) reflect broader societal patterns of perception, then some may underestimate the prevalence of racism. Professional development in culturally responsive teaching is critical to help bridge the gap, align perceptions with reality, and ensure all students are supported. Addressing issues is the actual equity work. 

The poll doesn’t just reflect society—it challenges schools. Are our classrooms reproducing these gaps in awareness? Or are we building bridges of understanding?

As educators, we can help close the gap. Here's something you can do right now: 

• Share this post- this creates awareness and starts or continues a conversation. 
• Invite us in to work with your school or organization- do more than read or talk. 
• Grab your seat in The Antiracist Teacher Course