Teaching in Higher Ed
Teaching about Race and Racism in the College Classroom
Jan 9, 2025
Cyndi Kernahan, a professor and director at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, shares her expertise on race and racism in education. She discusses strategies for fostering discussions around institutionalized racism, aiming for students to focus on systemic issues rather than personal guilt. Kernahan highlights the significance of acknowledging intersectionality and the complexities of teaching race to enhance understanding of social privileges. She also recommends relevant literature and television shows that encourage deep reflection and engagement.
42:58
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Quick takeaways
- Teaching about race and racism from a systemic perspective empowers students to recognize institutionalized racism and white privilege.
- Addressing colorblindness in discussions about race helps students engage critically with systemic inequalities rather than personal morality.
Deep dives
Cindy Kernahan's Background and Interest in Racism
Cindy Kernahan shares her early experiences in Oklahoma City public schools, highlighting a memorable debate with a classmate about the race of God. This incident sparked her interest in understanding prejudice and racism at a young age. The integration she experienced in schools contrasted with the realities of systemic inequalities, particularly regarding school bus routes for her Black classmates. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her lifelong pursuit of understanding and dismantling racial biases.
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