Discussing Anti-Asian Racism with Students: An Educator’s Guide
- Inform students that COVID-19 is not linked to a race or ethnicity
- Avoid stereotyping countries and help students understand their own biases
- Share accurate information and counter misinformation about COVID-19
- Interrupt bias by speaking up if you witness discriminatory behavior by students or staff
- Stop any type of harassment or bullying immediately and make it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated
- Support your students when they tell you they have been targeted because of their AAPI heritage, and confront discriminatory behavior
- Model compassion and provide accurate information that is developmentally appropriate for your students
- Empower your students to seek help if they are a victim or bystander of anti-Asian racism. Let them know that they can come to you or the school’s counselor and nurse for help
- Discuss historical events of American intolerance and scapegoating of the AAPI community e.g. Japanese Internment, Chinese Exclusion Act, and scapegoating South Asians/Muslims after 9/11
- Talk about AAPI “heroes” that advocated for our community in the past and the present
Source: National Association of School Psychologists
