Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, eleven recent college graduates describe in vivid detail their journeys from racially segregated, underfunded public schools to a state university, and the obstacles they encountered along the way. Chapters highlight personal accounts of poverty, violence, and bullying in childhood, the persistence of racism on the university campus and the inability of faculty and administrators to combat it. Overcoming all-too-common barriers, these eleven students persevered, earned their degrees and continued on to graduate school and professional careers. The authors conclude the book with policy proposals that not only address the issues raised by the students, but that would also restore public education to its original role as an engine of opportunity and driver of democracy.
Table of ContentsDedication
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Black Wastelanders
The Myth of Identity
Not Really a Group
1. Trisden
2. Henry
3. Kristen
4. Aiko
Chapter 3 Where are you From From?
Definitely Not a Real Group
1. Elsa
2. Yezenia
3. Paterno
4. Tara
5. Jose
Chapter 4 White Wastelanders
Also Not a Group
1. Thom
2. Lucy
Chapter 5 The Group Meetings
Session 1: October 14, 2017
How to be an Ally: Working Together, Building Alliances, and Activism
Freedom of Speech: First Amendment Rights and White Supremacy in the Classroom
Possible Solutions: Teach-ins, Diversity Courses, Cooperation between Students and Administration
Session 2: November 11, 2017
The Identity Spectrum: The Racist Devil on Everybody’s Shoulder
The Room Where It Happens
Thinking Without a Banister
Chapter 6 Grassroots Pedagogy: Rules of Engagement
Everybody Should be in the Room.
Race is a Spectrum
Confront Institutional History, and Exorcise Ghosts of the Past
Suggestions for Teaching Anti-Racism on Campus
Chapter 7 Conclusion: Saving Public Higher Education
The Playing Field
Levelling the Playing Field
How to Reclaim Education from the 1%
Fund Public Higher Education
Diversify Research Models
Micro Level Reforms
Macro Level Reforms
Appendix The Interview Questions
