Recent incidents of racial harassment in schools and Trump’s re-election have intensified concerns among Black parents about their children’s safety and well-being on campus.
“As we inch closer to January 20th, I worry for my son and his friends who are about to graduate, a milestone we should be celebrating, but who have instead had to endure racism and harassment in spaces where they are supposed to be learning,” says a Jacksonville mother, who requested anonymity to protect her 16-year-old son’s privacy.
Her concerns aren’t unfounded. In the hours following Trump’s win, a wave of racist text messages targeted Black students across the nation — and her son was one of the recipients.
Of course, racial harassment and bullying aren’t new in schools. A January 2024 report from The FBI’s Uniform Crime Program found that in 2022, 828 hate crime incidents reported in schools had been motivated by racial bias, with 66% (547 incidents) of those cases targeting Black students. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also revealed that in 2023, 45.9% of Black students reported experiencing racism in school, a rate notably higher than the 17.3% reported by white students.
And the results can be severe. Parents in South Carolina recently filed a lawsuit after their 14-year-old daughter allegedly experienced years of bullying and harassment by students and a teacher regarding her hair and skin color. They say their daughter attempted suicide at age 12 because of the bullying and is now permanently disabled.
These challenges have become more pronounced in the current political climate. In November, just days before Election Day, Black students reported being harassed and subjected to racial slurs during a pro-Trump rally at Beverly Hills High School.
“The system of education was founded on colonial principles that did not include Black people,” notes Parents of Black Children, an advocacy organization, in a recent report. It emphasizes that understanding how school systems work is crucial for Black parents who need to protect their children from racial bias.
Education experts and advocacy groups recommend several strategies:
1. Know School Policies and Engage Proactively With Staff
Familiarize yourself with school policies, such as the code of conduct and student handbook, and learn who’s who before concerns arise.
Build relationships with teachers and any other relevant school staff, such as guidance counselors and the principal, to foster a supportive environment. Regular communication can help avoid potential issues and ensure school teachers and other staff are aware of and responsive to your child’s needs.
The NAACP emphasized this in a 2023 report on family engagement and advocacy in the educational system.
“To change the educational landscape for Black youth, Black parents and guardians must be equitably included in all aspects of their children’s educational experiences, including curriculum, legal, and transition processes, and made aware of all activities impacting their children,” it wrote.
2. Document Everything
Immediately document what happened, including dates, times, locations, and all individuals involved. “Dig deep. Incidents can be indicators of other problems with school culture,” advises No Place for Hate. “Make your response priority number one, and take the key stakeholders of your school (e.g., students, families, staff, community) into account.
NPFH also encourages reporting incidents as much as possible. “Young people are often very reluctant to tell adults about these incidents because they believe reporting may make things worse. However, doing so will send a message that hateful, biased language and behaviors are unacceptable.”
3. Seek Mental Health Support
Racial incidents in school can have a profound psychological impact on Black students. In its 2024 report, Experiences of Racism in School and Associations with Mental Health, the CDC found that Black students who experience racism in schools exhibit a “higher prevalence of poor mental health indicators, including increased suicide risk, compared to those who did not experience racism.” It found that racism in schools can also contribute to issues, like lack of concentration in school, that often end up being misdiagnosed.
Seeking out mental health support, such as with school counselors or child clinical psychologists, can help address the racial trauma students may face. “Children and even their families experience racial trauma that can lead to serious traumatic stress,” Child Trends says on their website. “It’s okay to seek the professional support you may need.”
4. Know Your Advocacy and Legal Resources
Several organizations offer guidance and resources for families navigating discrimination in school, including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Parents of Black Children, and The Advancement Project.
Other organizations like the Black Educational Advocacy Coalition, the Black Student Advocate Network, the National Education Association, and the National Urban League have resources to help parents advocate for educational equity.
Overall, advocates emphasize that systemic change requires both individual advocacy and collective action. And for many Black families, the work of ensuring their children’s safety and success in school will undoubtedly need to be a priority now and long after Trump leaves office.
