Should children be taught about white privilege in school? | The Tylt
A Canadian school district has come under fire over its anti-racist 'Got Privilege?' campaign, intended to educate students about white privilege. Some argue the campaign shames white people and only deepens racial divisions. But the school district's superintendent has defended the campaign, stating "We are trying to acknowledge that racism does exist and that some people, as a result of racism, are disadvantaged." Do you think white privilege should be taught in schools? 🤔

B.C.'s School District 74 came under fire after launching a 'Got Privilege?' anti-racist campaign meant to educate kids about white privilege. Some parents believe the campaign unfairly shames white students and reinforces prejudices rather than alleviating them. The school district's superintendent has defended the campaign, arguing it is important that schools help educate communities about the realities of race and privilege.
The posters feature phrases such as "Got privilege?" and "If you don't have to think about it, it's a privilege." They feature quotes from district administrators on their experiences with privilege and racism.
"We are trying to acknowledge that racism does exist and that some people, as a result of racism, are disadvantaged," said Teresa Downs, superintendent for School District 74.
Many have applauded the campaign. The fact that people are so outraged just proves how much it is needed.
People going ballistic over this #WhitePrivilege campaign in a BC school district, claiming its racist and divisive. Are we so fragile that the mere suggestion that skin colour still make a difference makes us lose our minds? #cdnpoli #bcpoli https://t.co/KWmfWgUwdt
— Michael Serebriakov (@MichaelSilverV) March 8, 2018
A great start #BritishColumbia
— Marcela (@1968inspire) March 8, 2018
We all know the people that will take issue with it so forge on!
Children are able to grasp these concepts when taught, and even more so, if parents support the efforts & acknowledge their own #WhitePrivilege #antiracism https://t.co/axqwny7Z52
Others argue it is forcing conversation around race and privilege, which is a good thing.
Seems like a good program to me. It's challenging people to think. Some can't do that. Which is part of the problem. https://t.co/jEy0GcZxD0
— Ed Wiebe (@edwiebe) March 8, 2018
But some believe the campaign is too simplistic and overlooks other marginalized groups who lack privilege. Race alone does not determine one's privilege.
I’m against the posters- no one should assume they can measure someone’s “privilege” score based on skin tone or gender. There’s advantaged and disadvantaged kids of all genders, skin colour, physical and intellectual gifts, and combinations thereoff. #thisisnottheway
— Trevor Panas (@Trevor_Panas) March 9, 2018
And others argue it is just further dividing people along racial lines rather than uniting them.
Nice...this conveys the message that being white is unacceptable. What happened to messages of equality?
— Kitty Chow (@KittyChowVan) March 9, 2018
It should hit a nerve with ALL parents! White shaming has no place in society, never mind in our schools! Whoever approved it should be fired! #WhiteShaming #bcpoli
— Dayleen Van Ryswyk (@Dayleen4Kelowna) March 9, 2018