What a crazy week it has been. I really wish I was teaching a course on sculpture this fall. Boy would there ever be some interesting conversations.

One of the only positives to emerge amidst some of the heartbreaking recent events has been a tidal wave of conversations, posts, and resources on how to take a stand agains racism.

Yesterday, NCTE’s Standing Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English posted the following statement along with these resources “to use as statements of love and support.”

We know that racism exists in our classrooms and in our communities. We feel that silence on these issues is complicity in the systemic racism that has marred our educational system. We see no place for neutrality and urge each member of NCTE to educate as many people as possible about the ways that systemic racism affects all of us in negative ways.

There is no apolitical classroom. English language arts teachers must examine the ways that racism has personally shaped their beliefs and must examine existing biases that feed systems of oppression. In light of the horrific events in this country that continue to unfold, and the latest terrorism in Charlottesville, Virginia, we would like to share resources that we hope will encourage all NCTE members to speak out against the racism and bias that have been a part of our nation’s fabric since the first immigrants disembarked from European ships.