They don\u27t say it up front : immigrant-origin high school students\u27 experiences of disrespect and racial microaggressions by teachers : a project based upon a group research investigation

Abstract

This qualitative study used counter-storytelling methodology from Critical Race Theory to explore 15 racial and ethnic minority immigrant-origin high school students’ experiences of racial microaggressions by teachers. Previous research focuses on overt racism with youth or microaggressions with adults, but has not addressed subtle racism experienced by high school students. The findings suggest immigrant-origin experience teacher disrespect as racial microaggressions, including those that are related to immigrant identity. Though not conclusive, the results indicate that experiences of racial microaggressions and responses may differ for immigrant-origin youth with different generation status. Teachers’ racial sensitivity and school climate were demonstrated to be important factors for further exploration. This study’s focus on immigrant youth experiences in school is timely given the influence that the current U.S. political climate around immigration has on classroom dynamics, and thus has immediate implications for teachers, administrators, and social workers