Racism is alive and well in public schools in South Dakota, attendees of the state's Indian education summit said.
Bryan Brewer, an educator from the Pine Ridge Reservation, said the situation is improving. But he said the state needs to admit there is a problem in how Indian students are treated by fellow students, teachers and administrators.
Paul Gorski, an associate professor of graduate education at Hamline University, said schools often make small changes, such as hosting multicultural events, instead of looking at bigger issues, such as changing the curriculum and hiring. He said 88 percent of teachers are white, a number he said is rising.
The three-day summit concludes today. It was held in Rapid City.
Get the Story:
Speaker says celebrating diversity does not end racism (The Rapid City Journal 9/21)
Panel: Racism still a problem in S.D. schools
(The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/21)
Relevant Links:
South Dakota Department of Education -
http://www.doe.sd.gov
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