MBHS STATEMENT on instructional use of racial epithets and marginalizing language
In response to the concerns and ongoing lack of clarity regarding the misuse of racial epithets and other marginalizing language in the academic setting, Montgomery Blair High School’s administrative body is providing guidance to its instructional staff and other members of the school community.
Blair administration unequivocally asserts that the utterance, saying, speaking, or use of racial epithets in the classroom creates an environment harmful to student learning and development. Additionally, the use of marginalizing language can create a hostile environment that violates Montgomery County Public Schools policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and equal opportunity.
While we, at times, must confront sensitive topics to fulfill our educational mission, it is the responsibility of instructors to practice sound pedagogy in ensuring that the use of epithets and marginalizing language does not create a learning environment hostile to those within it, whether by causing harm, threatening harm, or undermining the teaching and learning enterprise. Further, whatever perceived pedagogical imperative might be served by exercising such language is highly likely to be undermined by its use, creating a justifiable sense of hostility in the classroom and therefore obstructing effective teaching.
Some pedagogical practices that help mitigate the potentially harmful effects of contending with epithets and marginalizing language include:
Making students aware in advance that they will encounter such language in texts, films, or audio artifacts under consideration.
Using substitute terms—socially acceptable euphemisms such as “the n-word,” for example—in place of the epithet when discussing such terms or when reading aloud from or quoting texts in which epithets or marginalizing language is used, both in speech and in writing.
Engaging students in a discussion of the harms associated with the gratuitous use of such terms.
Immediately and decisively responding to the use of such language when it occurs in the classroom.
Any potential incidents involving the misuse of racial epithets or marginalizing language should be reported immediately to the appropriate supervising administrator and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator.
(adapted from Drake University's Guidance for Resolution on the Use of Racial Epithets)