2 Marin forums track school racism

Marin Independent Journal article by: Keri Brenner 

As social injustice unrest continues throughout the nation, two local online forums are documenting incidents of racism and bigotry in Marin schools.

An anonymous Instagram thread, BIPOC of Marin, lists dozens of what are claimed to be offensive incidents at various Marin schools experienced by Black, indigenous and people of color over the last few years.  None of the posts are signed, but each one mentions the specific school where the event occurred.

The thread, which has 245 posts and 4,700 followers, contains disturbing stories from both girls and boys about teasing and side comments that hurt them and made them feel isolated and ashamed. The common theme is that they felt powerless to do anything about it and suppressed the painful emotions inside.

“You are not alone,” the BIPOC home page says. “This is a safe space for people to share their experiences with racism in Marin County schools.”

Omar Carrera, CEO of San Rafael-based Canal Alliance, said education is one of many aspects of society where bias is found.

“Prosperity and access to opportunities in our country have always been focused largely on white people through the exclusion, persecution and criminalization of people of color,” Carrera said. “Education and academic support for students are no exception.

“Students of color are not successful in school because our schools are designed to make sure that happens,” he added. “Dismantling the structural racism that exists in the education system should be the priority for leaders of the public and private education system.”

Read the full article on Marin Independent Journal website.