The Nouveau Minority

Thanks to Pam McKenna at Hopkins School for bringing this article to my attention regarding the proven struggles of poor, white students in education. Upon reflection, it makes sense. Schools make great efforts to recruit faculty of color. We want students of different races to find mentors and role models among our adults. Schools in the last decade have become increasingly sensitive to avoiding tests and major assignments on a variety of religions’ holidays and observances. And we’re all quick to enjoy the efforts of the International Student Club on days such as Chinese New Year. But where is the support for students who quietly and internally gasp in embarrassment when everyone is asked to bring in "just $15" so the whole team can have matching tshirts? And forget the optional trip to France over spring break. Where are the adults and teachers who publicly exclaim their own childhood poverty and struggles so these students know someone who has walked their same path? Schools commit great dollars to financial aid but then what do we do to support this “minority” in our midst (NAIS says this group makes up only 18.7% of our students)? Is it any different than 20 years ago when we started to recruit students of color but then expected them to act, assimilate and survive in an almost entirely white school culture and environment? Look how far we have come from that ignorant stance. What might it look like for poor, white students 20 years from now when our industry is more enlightened and decides this is the new struggling minority that needs our attention and effort?