Ep 282: The Opportunity Gap - How Schools Perpetuate Inequity

Tiffany Jewell, author of Everything I Learned About Racism I
Learned in School, joins us to expose the myriad ways racism is
embedded in the education system. We discuss the opportunity gap,
biased disciplinary practices, problematic tracking, predatory
military recruitment, and more - and what teens and parents can
do about it.


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Full Show Notes


Today's teens are facing unprecedented challenges - from pandemic
recovery to economic uncertainty to navigating an increasingly
complex digital world. But one of the most pervasive and
overlooked issues affecting young people is the systemic racism
baked into the very institutions meant to uplift and empower them
- our schools.


Students of color are more than twice as likely to be suspended
or expelled. They're underrepresented in advanced classes and
overrepresented in special education programs. Their schools are
more heavily policed and their lockers more frequently searched.
The curriculum largely sidelines their histories and the works of
authors who look like them.


How can we as parents, educators and advocates ensure that the
school system is providing an equitable education and environment
for all students? To unpack this crucial question, we're joined
by Tiffany Jewell, anti-bias anti-racist educator and author of
the new book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in
School.


In our conversation, Tiffany sheds light on the often subtle ways
racism manifests in schools, and provides actionable guidance for
teens and parents to question the status quo and advocate for
change.


The Opportunity Gap


Rather than an "achievement gap," Tiffany argues what we're
really seeing is an opportunity gap. Schools serving
predominantly students of color are chronically under-resourced,
understaffed, and overcrowded. Low expectations and biased
perceptions from teachers limit students' potential. The result
is a self-perpetuating cycle of inequity.


Tiffany explains how parents can reframe the conversation around
student success and advocate for more equitable allocation of
resources and opportunities. She also shares tips for empowering
teens to recognize and call out unfairness when they see it.


Discriminatory Discipline


Black students are four times more likely to face suspension than
their White peers, often for minor infractions like "disrespect"
or "defiance" that go unpunished for other students. Meanwhile,
schools with majority students of color are far more likely to
employ invasive tactics like suspicionless searches.


Tiffany unpacks the biases and power dynamics driving these
disparities, and offers strategies for parents to protect their
teens' rights and dignity in disciplinary situations. She also
discusses the importance of restorative justice models that
address root causes of behavior rather than criminalizing
students.


Predatory Recruitment


Military recruiters aggressively target low-income schools and
students of color, capitalizing on the lack of opportunity in
these communities. Federal law requires "failing" schools to turn
over student contact info to recruiters, who use coercive tactics
to enlist teens with few other options.


Tiffany shares eye-opening data on the military recruitment
machine and its exploitation of the opportunity gap. She advises
parents on how to opt out of recruiter contact lists and
encourages teens to critically examine the risks and realities of
military service.


Curriculum & Representation


From history to literature to STEM fields, the standard
curriculum is overwhelmingly White and male. Students of color
rarely see themselves reflected, and are implicitly told their
stories and contributions are less important.


Tiffany calls on parents and students to demand more
representative, culturally-responsive content in every subject.
She shares tips for supplementing classroom learning with diverse
perspectives at home. Even small acts, like recommending a great
book by an author of color to a teacher, can make a difference.


Throughout our discussion, Tiffany emphasizes the power of an
individual to question the status quo and gradually shift the
system. As she puts it: "School could be a place that is so
joyful and empowering...I know we can do better. Let's keep [our
children's] amazingness and encourage them to continue being
amazing."


From practical advocacy strategies to empowering pep talks, this
episode is full of wisdom and inspiration for anyone who believes
in building a more just and equitable future for all students.
Additional topics include:


The myth of the "good" school and how it upholds segregation

Recognizing and rejecting tone-policing and respectability
politics

Modeling allyship and using privilege to uplift others

Rebuilding a school system that honors all students'
brilliance



For more from Tiffany, visit her website tiffanymjewell.com or
follow her on Instagram @tiffanymjewell. Thanks for listening,
and we'll see you next week!





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.