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The study of race and its impact on American life was reviewed during two provocative workshops, which were offered to Latin’s teachers as a component of the School’s professional development program. The workshops, which were organized by Curriculum Coordinator Mary Beth Harris and facilitated by the Reverend Andy Baxter of Mecklenburg Ministries, were also open to parents and staff members.
Each workshop began with a video that was produced by PBS. Episode I, “The Difference Between Us,” which was conducted on October 12, examined how recent scientific discoveries have toppled the concept of biological race. Reverend Baxter stated that the goal was to “clear out the biological underbrush that underpins racial discussions in this country… race is not real as a biological concept, only as a social construct.” Upper School biology teacher Dr. Ken Kneidel also presented recent scientific data that dispelled the notion of race as a genetically-based concept.
On November 30, Episode II, “The Story We Tell,” addressed the roots of the concept of race in America, including the 19th century science that legitimated it. “Race is inextricable from the development of the United States,” according to Reverend Baxter. According to the video, the “story” of race evolved throughout the nation’s history to justify the exception of African American slaves and native Americans from the principle of “all men are created equal” that was embraced in the Declaration of Independence. Perceived racial differences permitted white men to protect their slave labor force and to take badly needed land from indigenous peoples.
Episode III, “The House We Live In,” will be presented on January 11. This workshop will focus on how American institutions shape and create race, giving different groups vastly unequal life chances. Fletcher Gregory, Assistant Headmaster and Director of Finance, will help conduct this workshop.
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