“How do we go deeper? How can we do more than scratch the surface?”

These are the questions that Greene Street Friends School’s faculty and staff continuously asked themselves and each other during a discussion this Wednesday on building anti-racist classrooms and an anti-racist school. Facilitated by Dr. Ali Michael, the conversation gave teachers the opportunity to explore their own “race stories” as well as work through dilemmas that they face as educators.

Members of the faculty and staff were already familiar with Dr. Michael’s work and methods, having read her book, Raising Race Questions: Whiteness and Inquiry in Education, over the summer and having discussions based on it before students returned to campus in September. Dr. Michael reviewed some of the terminology, especially the pathway for positive racial identity development, which empowers both teachers and students to better understand racism in society and how that impacts themselves and others.

“Positive racial identity is not about feeling good or bad about yourself because you’re white or black,” she explained. “It’s about understanding what it means to be white and how to be an ally to students of color. The only way to achieve a positive racial identity is by learning.” For students and adults of color, a positive racial identity would include taking pride in their own identity while also appreciating others’ cultural and racial groups and moving to dismantle racism in society.

Most of the time together on Wednesday afternoon was an opportunity for teachers to voice their experiences and discomforts, while supporting each other and providing feedback. Difficult questions were asked such as “how can I as a white person explain injustice to my students?” and “how can a teacher show appreciation for dialect while also teaching standard English language?”

Teachers and staff split into groups to each focus on one question. Dr. Michael recommended that these groups continue to meet throughout the school year in order to reach that deeper level.

“I expect and accept a lack of closure,” shared TA and science teacher Kim Kraemer. Reflecting on Greene Street Friends School’s path to being an anti-racist school, first grade teacher Lori Sinitzky said, “progress happens in small steps and large steps, too.”

This year, GSFS established a Diversity Committee, clerked by third grade teacher Erica Snowden. They will continue to investigate topics of race and inclusion as well as facilitate discussions and actions throughout the year, such as a presentation held during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday and an art project in which community members drew self-portraits reflecting on their skin tones and identities.