How to Build Anti Racism in the Classroom: Strategies, Questions, and Classroom Practices

In today’s classrooms, combating racism isn’t optional — it’s essential. Schools should not only be places of academic growth, but also places where every student feels seen, safe, and valued regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. Anti racism in the classroom goes beyond discouraging racist remarks or celebrating diversity during a special month — it involves intentional strategies, meaningful reflection, guided conversations, and consistent practices that challenge systemic inequities and empower all students. The Black Student Advocate Network believes that educators can transform classrooms into spaces where racial equity is actively pursued and racism is actively dismantled.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies, intentional questions to guide reflection and dialogue, classroom practices rooted in equity, and ways teachers can build and sustain anti-racist environments. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, parent, or advocate, understanding and implementing anti-racism in the classroom lays a foundation for lasting change.

1. Understanding Anti Racism in the Classroom

Before applying practices, it’s important to clarify what anti racism means in K–12 education. Anti racism in the classroom is a proactive approach. It isn’t just avoiding racist behavior — it is actively identifying and challenging racism wherever it appears, both structurally and interpersonally. This includes: • Recognizing how systemic racism affects students’ access to opportunities • Evaluating curriculum for representation and bias • Challenging power imbalances and disciplinary practices that disproportionately impact students of color • Teaching students to recognize and take a stand against racism An anti-racist classroom honors the humanity and dignity of every student. It ensures that learning environments empower students of all identities to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. Understanding this commitment as ongoing — not a one-time act — helps educators stay accountable and responsive.

2. Intentional Strategies to Build Anti Racism in the Classroom

Building an anti-racist classroom requires thoughtful alignment of mindset, actions, and curriculum. The following strategies provide a roadmap for educators to shift from neutrality to equity-focused teaching.

A. Reflect on Personal Biases and Assumptions

Teachers do not enter classrooms as blank slates. Every educator carries personal biases shaped by culture, education, community, and experience. Through self-reflection, teachers can begin to acknowledge how their beliefs influence expectations, interpretations, and relationships.

Practical Steps:

Keep a reflective journal focused on moments of racial discomfort or confusion
Engage in professional learning focused on identity and implicit bias
Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or cultural responsiveness coaches

Reflection opens the door to transformation. Without examining one’s own assumptions, well-meaning lessons can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or marginalize students.

B. Equity Audit of Curriculum and Materials

Curriculum that centers one narrative — typically Eurocentric — limits students’ engagement and reinforces hierarchies of knowledge. An equity audit examines who is represented in classroom texts, whose voices are amplified, and whose experiences are missing.

Questions for an Equity Audit:

Do the texts we use reflect diverse cultures?
Who wrote the books we read?
Do the lessons include perspectives from historically marginalized groups?

Once gaps are identified, educators can diversify reading lists, integrate multiple cultural perspectives, and invite materials created by authors of color.

C. Use Culturally Responsive Teaching Methods

Culturally responsive teaching recognizes students’ cultural backgrounds as assets, not obstacles. When instruction aligns with students’ lived experiences, students feel more connected, capable, and respected.

Examples of Responsive Practices:

Designing assignments that allow students to bring personal cultural knowledge into learning
Incorporating diverse historical figures and contributions
Celebrating languages spoken by students

Students should see themselves in both content and classroom practices — this builds engagement and affirms identity.

3. Essential Questions to Guide Anti-Racist Classroom Conversations

Guided questions help students and educators reflect honestly about power, privilege, and racial experiences. These questions are not meant to make students uncomfortable, but to encourage exploration, empathy, and understanding.

For Teachers to Reflect On:

Whose voices are valued in my classroom?
How do I respond when a student shares an experience of bias?
What messages have I unintentionally reinforced about race?

These questions help educators become more aware of patterns and assumptions that might go unnoticed.

For Students to Explore (Age-Appropriate):

Elementary Level:

What makes each of us unique?
How do we treat people who look different from us?
What can we do when someone is treated unfairly?

Middle/High School:

What is racism — and how do we see it in history and today?
How does privilege show up in our school or community?
What responsibilities do we have when we witness unfair treatment?

These questions help students think critically and develop empathy through dialogue rather than judgment.

4. Classroom Practices That Support Anti Racism

It’s one thing to talk about anti-racism concepts — it’s another to integrate them into daily classroom life. The practices below offer actionable ways to make anti-racism a living part of students’ learning experience.

A. Establish Clear Guidelines for Respectful Dialogue

Discussing race can be sensitive. Establishing norms for classroom conversations ensures that all students feel safe and heard.

Classroom Agreement Examples:

Listen actively without interrupting
Ask curious questions, not judgmental ones
Use “I” statements to share personal experiences
Acknowledge discomfort and lean into growth

These norms promote constructive conversation — especially when discussing real issues related to race and identity.

B. Integrate Social Justice Themes Across Subjects

Anti-racism should not be siloed in one lesson — it should be integrated across disciplines.

Examples:

Math: Study inequities in resource distribution using data sets
English Language Arts: Read novels with protagonists from diverse backgrounds
History: Teach multiple perspectives on historical events

With integrated content, students make connections between academic skills and social realities.

C. Promote Cooperative Learning Structures

Group work and peer collaboration can break down social barriers and build empathy when structured thoughtfully.

Tips for Cooperative Learning:

Assign diverse groups intentionally
Establish roles that rotate leadership
Reflect on group interactions as part of learning

When students learn from each other’s strengths and perspectives, relationships deepen beyond surface assumptions.

5. Responding to Bias and Incidents with Care and Accountability

Despite a teacher’s best intentions, moments of bias — from students or staff — can occur. How these moments are handled matters deeply.

Responding Constructively

Acknowledge the incident without dismissing it
Separate the behavior from the person
Involve the affected student(s) in restorative conversation if appropriate

Restorative Practices help repair harm without shame, and encourage growth, accountability, and understanding rather than punishment alone.

Conclusion

Building anti-racism in the classroom is not a one-time training or checklist — it is a transformational journey that requires courage, reflection, and consistent action. The Black Student Advocate Network believes that by committing to intentional strategies, meaningful questioning, equitable practices, and community collaboration, educators can cultivate learning environments that honor every student’s dignity and potential.

When educators embrace anti-racism as a guiding principle, classrooms become spaces of possibility — where every student can thrive, challenge injustice, and contribute to a more equitable world.