Requests for anti-racism classroom curricula increased following recent police brutality events

Nov 22, 2021

Carnegie Mellon University

A new study used data from an online crowdfunding platform for U.S. public school teachers to document the effect of police brutality events and ensuing Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests on requests for anti-racism curricula. The study found a significant increase in requests for books about or by African Americans after local BLM protests related to the death of George Floyd. Most requests were for children under age 10 and also included materials representing the cultures of other minority groups. By analyzing the impact statements teachers submitted after using the material, researchers concluded that they used the books to stimulate conversations related to race and social justice issues, including themes of representation, self-esteem, empathy, and acceptance.

The study, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), is forthcoming in Management Science.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/935723