Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Initiatives

The Office of CLRI is Committed to Facilitating

Courageous Conversations

Surrounding Recent Events Related to

Current Events & Racial Injustices

The Office of CLRI honors the legacy of

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Statement from Interim Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown, and the Board of Regents

September 19, 2020

“The loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is truly devastating. Justice Ginsburg was more than an inspirational litigator, she was one of the greatest advocates for justice and equality that our country has ever known.  She fought tenaciously and did so with determination and grace. She was a hero to many and gave a voice to girls and women everywhere.  “Ruth Bader Ginsburg will forever be known for her powerful and influential dissents and opinions as a Supreme Court Justice, many of which bolstered the precedent that all men and women are created equal. “We must and we will honor her legacy by continuing to fight for every child in New York to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they come from or where they live.”

Office of CLRI Statement on the Recent Killings of Unarmed African Americans

"America, Hear Me Now" Virtual Anthology

Resources for Students

Grades PreK - 5

• Children's Book: Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, & Ann Hazzard
  • Click to view a video reading of the story.
  • Questions for Sparking a Conversation:
    • Have you ever had a conversation with your peers/friends at school or in your community about race? Did you think the conversation went well?
    • Did you ever feel ashamed of the color of your skin? Why?
    • What can you do to bring unity and friendship between yourself and everyone you know?

Grades 6 - 8

• Black Lives Matter in NYC Schools - Activities
  • Diversity: Part 1 and Part 2
  • Empathy: Part 1 and Part 2
  • Restorative Justice: Part 1 and Part 2
  • Unapologetically Black: Part 1 and Part 2

Grades 9 - 12

• 1619 Project Article: The Idea of America by Nikole Hannah-Jones
  • Questions for Sparking a Conversation:
    • On page 16, Nikole Hannah-Jones writes, "The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776 proclaims that 'all men are created equal.'" Create a list of racial inequalities that still occur today. Be sure to include your own personal experiences with racial injustices.
    • Reflect on the quote from page 17, "Jefferson's fellow white colonists knew that black people were human beings, but they created a network of laws and customs, astounding for both their precision and cruelty, that ensured that enslaved people would never be treated as such." Discuss what feelings resonate with you.
    • How can this quote be connected to current laws and customs that have cruel effects on black people?
    • On page 21, Nikole Hannah-Jones details the 1946 horrific maiming of Black WWII veteran, Isaac Woodward. What connections can be made between this event and the tragic deaths of unarmed Black and Brown people today, including George Floyd?

• CNN Interview with Nikole Hannah-Jones: "A riot is the language of the unheard"
  •  Questions for Sparking a Conversation
    • Nikole Hannah-Jones said that, "Black people's rights were contingent on convincing enough White people that they deserve them" and that the mirroring of violence that had been shown to them was one way of doing that. Do you feel that the violence that is being demonstrated during the George Floyd protests are necessary today in order to end police brutality?
    • What advice do you have for your generation moving forward?
    • Do you believe in the best of America?

• MSNBC Interview with Rev. Dr. Bernice King: "It's time to do the work on ending systemic racism"
  • Questions for Sparking a Conversation:
    • Rev. Dr. Bernice King stated that we need to "Organize our strength into compelling power." What do you feel is the strength of people, especially in your generation?
    • Rev. Dr. Bernice King quotes her father's words 50 years later. Do you believe that the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be quoted again in another 50 years due to an act of violence because of race?

Resources for Adult Stakeholders

• Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Bearing Witness: The Death of George Floyd, Facing Today: A Facing History Blog 
• Critical Conversations: Dr. Marietta Collins on Discussing Police Shootings with Children, The Conscious Kid
• Don’t Say Nothing, Teaching Tolerance
• Equity Case Analysis Process, Equity Literacy Institute
• How to Talk to Kids About Race: Books and Resources That Can Help, Brightly
• Lesson: Death of George Floyd Sets Off Massive Protests, American Federation for Teachers -- Share My Lesson
• Lesson: Experiences with Racism, Anti-Defamation League
• Lesson: Exploring Solutions to Address Racial Disparity Concerns, Anti-Defamation League
• Lesson: "I Can't Breathe", The New York Times
• 'Moments Like Now Are Why We Teach': Educators Tackle Tough Conversations About Race and Violence -- This Time Virtually, Chalkbeat
• Obama On George Floyd's Death and the 'Maddening' Normalcy of Racism, NPR
• Preparing to Discuss Race and Police Violence in the Classroom, District of Columbia Public Schools
• A Public-Health Expert Explains How Racism and White Supremacy Negatively Affect Black People's Sleep, POPSUGAR

Bilingual Resources

• Recursos antirracistas en español