5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Educational Thought Leadership
Microaggressions in the Classroom: The Real Impact
November 22, 2024
“Why do you talk like that? You’re Black.” The words echoed in my ears as I sat in class, my hands tightening around my pencil. My teacher smiled at the comment and moved on, not realizing—or perhaps ignoring—how the question cut through me like a knife. It wasn’t the first time. Last week, it was the teacher who called me out to speak about slavery during history class, as though my skin made me an expert. These moments were small but constant, and I began to feel invisible like I didn’t truly belong in this school. I stopped raising my hand. My grades dropped because I began to lose interest in class as I wasn’t truly recognized for who I was. At home, I sometimes cry in frustration, wondering if I was good enough or if something was wrong with me.
Sadly, my story isn’t unique. For Black students like me, these moments aren’t rare. They are part of an insidious pattern called microaggressions—subtle comments or actions that reveal bias, even if the person didn’t mean harm. Many Black students like me face microaggressions that make us feel “othered.” And while they may seem “small” to the person saying them, their impact can be enormous.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine a classroom where students like me aren’t made to feel different, where our talents and identities are celebrated instead of scrutinized. Our schools and classrooms can be like this, this is what drives Roots to Routes Academy, a place where I first understood the concept of microaggressions and how to live above it.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we understand how microaggressions can undermine the confidence, mental health, and academic success of Black students, and we’ve made it our mission to change that. The academy offers a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where every student is seen for who they truly are and where their success is never a question.
In this article, we’ll explore how microaggressions manifest in classrooms, the impact they have on Black students, and the strategies we can use to build schools that celebrate diversity and create spaces where all students feel they belong.
What Are Microaggressions?
Microaggressions are like tiny paper cuts. They might seem harmless, but over time, they leave lasting scars. They are the subtle, often unintentional, actions or comments that target people based on their identity—like race, gender, or culture.
These moments are often brushed aside or explained away. “It’s just a joke,” people say, or “You’re being too sensitive.” But for Black students, these comments send a clear message: You don’t belong here.
Microaggressions are hard to spot because they aren’t as obvious as outright discrimination. But research shows they can be just as damaging. A study from Columbia University found that repeated microaggressions increase stress levels and harm mental health, especially in young people.
How Microaggressions Manifest in the Classroom
Microaggressions in schools often don’t look like outright racism, but they’re just as harmful. Here are some examples that Black students experience every day:
1. Stereotyping Academic Abilities
- A teacher is “surprised” when a Black student excels in advanced math.
- A teacher asking a Black student, “Are you sure you’re in the right class?” during an honors course.
- Assuming a Black student got into a program or won a scholarship because of affirmative action, not merit.
- Assuming a Black student’s success in sports over academics.
2. Tokenism
- Asking the only Black student in class to “represent” all Black people in discussions about race.
- Highlighting Black culture only during Black History Month and ignoring it the rest of the year.
3. “Backhanded Compliments”
- Saying, “You’re so articulate for someone like you.”
- Praising one student’s hair for being “so professional” while ignoring or criticizing natural hairstyles.
- Remarking on a student’s hair or name in ways that exoticize or otherize them.
4. Curriculum Erasure
- Using textbooks and lessons that focus only on white historical figures and exclude the contributions of Black individuals.
These microaggressions send a message: “You don’t belong here,” or “You’re not good enough unless you prove yourself.”
The Emotional and Academic Impact on Black Students
Microaggressions might seem minor to outsiders, but their effects are anything but small. Research shows:
1. Emotional Toll:
A study by the American Psychological Association found that racial microaggressions increase stress, anxiety, and depression in Black students. Constantly feeling misunderstood or judged can harm self-esteem and lead to feelings of isolation.
2. Academic Impact:
Black students who experience microaggressions are more likely to disengage from school. According to the National Education Association, they participate less in class, avoid extracurricular activities, and are less likely to pursue higher education.
3. Physical Effects:
Chronic stress from microaggressions can even take a toll on physical health, causing headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
When students like Maya lose confidence in themselves, the ripple effects can last a lifetime. That’s why creating a classroom free of microaggressions isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
Strategies for Black Students: Navigating and Resisting Microaggressions
If you’ve ever faced a microaggression, know this: it’s not your fault, and you’re not alone. Here are some strategies to help:
1. Build Your Support Network
Connect with other students or groups who share your experiences. At Roots to Routes Academy, we foster strong peer networks where students lift each other up.
2. Advocate for Yourself
Practice calmly responding when a microaggression occurs. For example: “I don’t think that’s true about me or anyone else.”
If you don’t feel safe addressing it in the moment, speak privately with a trusted teacher or counselor.
3. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Journaling, meditating, or speaking with a therapist can help you process your feelings and maintain your confidence.
Remember, your worth isn’t tied to anyone else’s opinion.
Roots to Routes Academy ensures our students have access to the tools and support they need to stay strong and succeed.
Strategies for Educators: Recognizing and Mitigating Microaggressions
Teachers have a powerful role in shaping inclusive classrooms. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Educate Yourself
Participate in anti-bias training and learn to recognize microaggressions. Sometimes, teachers don’t realize they’re perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
2. Diversify the Curriculum
Include books, lessons, and projects that celebrate Black voices and histories all year long—not just during Black History Month.
3. Create Safe Spaces
Encourage open dialogue where students feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
When a microaggression occurs, address it immediately, even if it’s uncomfortable.
4. Reflect on Your Own Biases
Nobody’s perfect, but self-awareness is key. Ask yourself: “Am I treating all my students fairly?”
Teachers who take these steps often find their classrooms become more vibrant, respectful, and effective learning environments.
Building a Supportive Ecosystem: A Call to Action for All Stakeholders
Creating an inclusive school isn’t just the job of teachers and students. It takes a village.
- Families: Talk to your kids about their experiences and advocate for them when necessary. Support schools like Roots to Routes Academy that prioritize your child’s well-being.
- Administrators: Implement clear policies against microaggressions and hold staff accountable. Invest in training that promotes equity and inclusion.
- Community Organizations: Offer programs and mentorship opportunities that uplift Black students.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe in building bridges between schools, families, and communities to ensure every child thrives. When everyone works together, the results are extraordinary.
Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive Future
Microaggressions may be small in the moment, but their impact is enormous. For Black students like me, overcoming them requires support, understanding, and change—not just in individual classrooms but in the education system as a whole.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we are not just taught lessons; we are trained to become leaders.
If you’re ready to be part of a movement that empowers Black students to succeed unapologetically, join us at Roots to Routes Academy. Together, we can create classrooms where every child belongs.
