You should not have to conform to certain standards to access basic human rights or opportunities. Regardless of their locations, schools should be funded equally for each student to compete fairly. The education system should be an equalizer, but it is not, sadly. Several cases of social injustices in the school system have been reported, and a book or two written on the same. The student universe at a university or an education center is separated by unseen lines based on inherent privileges. Some people are trying to address these issues in essay writing and protests.
School-going Children and Social Injustices in Education
It is never too early to start children on issues that affect their society so they can grow up with the knowledge of their privilege or lack of it. When they are introduced to gender, racial, and social equality at a young age, they form opinions and perceptions. They will be able to question as they grow when they see incidences of social injustice at school, work, or in their communities. Teachers who explain social injustice examples will have engagements in class as kids become more aware of each other, their differences, and how they can make the world better in their capacity. As part of a lesson, a teacher could have students write a social injustice essay that will show their understanding of the topic.
To teach about social justice in the classroom, be it a class in college or high school, an educator has to be interested in imparting knowledge that will be relevant for many years. They should also be passionate about the topic since it will show in their teachings. Some students may end up in activism when they grow up, so that foundation is everything they need. Essay writing on this topic while in their education will help them comprehend it better.
Why Schools Need to Teach about Social Injustices
Kids become more empathic with their peers who may be experiencing one form of injustice or another. They will learn to notice it and call it out, so this habit is cut at the bud. They could pick it as part of coursework when they write essays on it or dissertation research should they decide to carry on with it that far. They will also learn to see their own privilege and to shun it if it is at the expense of someone else. This topic is not equivalent to scientific studies as it is based on everyday experiences, so it is easy to follow through.
When kids learn these things during a school term at a lower grade, they are able to interact with their peers better. They will accept those who identify differently in terms of tribe, race, gender, and gender orientation. These traits will make better society members.
Incorporating Social Justice in School
There are several ways schools can help their students learn more about discrimination.
Guest Speakers
Talking about injustice on the student portal is not enough. They will learn more from a person speaking of injustices from experience than anything a textbook can teach in class. The narrator can tell how and why the system has been unfair to them, allowing the young minds to think about the experiences and how they could change one’s view on the country or world.
Encouraging Activism
The world needs more activists if the changes we have seen through movements are anything to go by. Books for all ages have been written to call out social injustice, from Angela Johnson’s A Sweet Smell of Roses for kids as young as 13 to Ava DuVernay’s 13th, a documentary for ages 16 and above. Letting them access this material from the library or student services allows them to start educating themselves at young ages, and it plants the seeds of activism for a good cause.
Allowing Engagement
There could be a class where kids can bring up issues on social injustice that they may have seen on social media. They could then discuss them with the teachers and other kids to better understand why they happened. This engagement is inclusive, and those affected by these injustices can narrate their experiences.
Conclusion
School is not just about getting that diploma or graduation day. It is where you learn things that will make you an all-around better person in the course of your life. You learn educational matters as well as social ideas that could change the world. Divisive thinking has been the norm for too long, and it’s time young people shook things up.
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