By Janice S. Ellis, Ph.D.

What is race relations like in your high school? Photo Credit: princeton.edu

What is race relations like in your high school? Even if you teach or attend a high school where there is little or no ethnic diversity, it is a question worth asking in this multi-racial and multi-ethnic society in which we live.

The demographics in America is in a state of change. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that within the next decade, America will essentially be a nation of minorities, where no one race has significant dominance over another when it comes to the population makeup. During the last decade, there has been tremendous growth among Hispanics. It is projected the growth trend will continue.

The student population within a school district usually reflects the surrounding communities in which the particular school is located. That has its advantages and disadvantages. In addition to the convenience of location, their is comfort in knowing the make-up, nature, and neighborhood culture. But sometimes these same assets become liabilities when we assume there is an automatic level of understanding, acceptance, and camaraderie among the adults and children who live in those neighborhoods.

How many issues that present themselves at school or in the classroom are mere extensions of what is going on in that student's home or neighborhood? Friendships or bullying do not begin and end on the school grounds. Groups whether based on race, ethnicity, age, or interests do not form at school and then disband when school is not in session.

So as educators and administrators, how in-tuned are you when it comes to the interaction of students of different racial or ethnic origins? How would you rate race relations in your high school? Is the racial and ethnic mix so small, or large for that matter, that you never bothered to give it much thought?

Most high schools, hopefully, have incorporated race and cultural education into their curricula. No doubt there is some recognition of ethnic history, holidays, and celebrations. But what other activities and forums are sponsored or promoted to increase postive race relations in your high school? What has been done to achieve a broader, deeper, and lasting understanding among your students who need to work and live in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural society?

Please share what you may be doing to improve race relations in your high school.