From proposed changes in Virginia’s history and social science curriculums, to potential legislation that could disproportionately affect students of color, Black parents are beginning to take action.

They’re starting to remove their children from public schools, deciding that enough is enough. Although many students are now making their voices heard on the issues they face, are school administrators listening?

We spoke with Jennifer Roberts, founder of Conversations in the Community, and a mother of two Black students who attend Prince William County schools, about this rising trend.

“In addition to being physically dangerous, public schools can be emotionally dangerous places for Black boys.  Some Black boys are provoked and targeted by other students and even faculty members without any intervention or support by staff members which creates a negative educational environment.  To add insult to injury, when an undesired behavior by a Black student follows the provocation, Black boys might be disciplined for their response to their provocation and instigation with little to no regard for what triggered the response.”

“Educational leaders should not be able to choose which students they value but this is happening everyday in Prince William County Schools and many of our black boys are not being valued.  This devaluing shows up in a variety of ways including an unwillingness to provide emotionally safe spaces for black boys, an unwillingness to positively recognize Black boys and a willingness to over discipline them.”

“The Prince William County educators that I have engaged with about how to listen to and respond to Black boys are not interested in engaging and executing real strategies.  I’ve had multiple conversations with leaders but no measurable action has followed.  This lack of investment is disturbing and speaks volumes.”

On Thursday, February 23rd,  I hosted a virtual conversation, “Listening to Our Black Boys:  Why Their Voices Matter and How to Hear Them” with listening professional, Marva Shand-McIntosh.  When we opened the conversation, Marva shared about the perception of Black boys including the perception that Black childhood is innately inferior, that young black boys are perceived to be older than their age, the perception that black boys are more likely to be seen as angry and that black children are not afforded the same presumption of innocence.  All of these factors influence the way that Black boys are treated in our communities and in our schools.”

“Who is watching out for Black boys in schools?  Who is making sure that there are safe spaces for them to express themselves and be heard?  Who is understanding and valuing the cultural capital that they bring to their classrooms?  Who is looking for opportunities to engage them in meaningful ways?  As the mother of a Black boy, I want him to be educated in an emotionally safe space that actively supports and values him. I am hard pressed to find that space in Prince William County.”

Prince William County’s commitments to providing a positive climate and culture and engaging families and community members must be more than just flowery words that sound good.  Educational leaders at every level must be held accountable for upholding these commitments.”

There will be more to come on this issue, and one that public schools systems cannot dismiss so lightly.