Teachers are influential role models for many students, ranging from what they teach to the discussions they have in class.

Students learn from teachers, so it is important for teachers to openly talk about race and racism in the classroom.

“Teachers provide an example of how I should live my life,” senior Jenna Warlick said. “They should talk about racism in class because it’s relevant, and [it is] something the student body has to deal with on a daily basis.”

Schools are supposed to a safe environment for students. Teachers should have an active role in identifying racial bias occurring in classrooms.

According to a survey done by the Runnymede Trust, only a few teachers in grade school and high schools consider their school having an active role in identifying and responding to racism which affects students in class.

“There are many marginalized identities, especially in classrooms,” English teacher Elise Song said. “A lot of these students do not have a lot of exposure. I hope to give them a safe space to talk about their perspective”

Teachers should represent the majority of Lakeview students, and demographically, this includes students of different racial backgrounds.

“I don’t think teachers should be binded by just the curriculum,” Song said. “The topic of race is highly discussed, and because of that, I believe teachers should also engage with students about these issues.”

Teachers and students acknowledge that discussions about race are important, and how should teachers begin to approach the issue seems to be the question of the day.

“Because the issue about race affects every student at Lakeview, teachers should ask students about their experiences and keep an open mind,” junior Andrea Hermosillo said. “A lot of students don’t understand what racism is, or how it affects us. Since teachers are influential role models, they should educate us on current events – especially race.”