Decolonizing the Curriculum

Decolonizing Our Classrooms Starts With Us

We believe that all students deserve to see themselves represented in the curriculum. Too often, non-white and non-Western representations are ignored – scientists, writers, and artists of color are rarely mentioned. In somewhat better cases, they may be acknowledged and one or two token examples may be offered to the students. This approach still keeps the focus on white experiences as central. True inclusion thus would offer a multitude of perspectives and experiences; this list aims to make it easier to find such perspectives.

Decolonising the Curriculum focuses on the concept that curricular design has been historically male and white. By decolonising the curriculum a more varied approach is taken as to cultures and perspectives that are presented and studied for a broader contextual perspective.

Schools are not adequately teaching the history of American slavery, educators are not sufficiently prepared to teach it, textbooks do not have enough material about it, and – as a result – students lack a basic knowledge of the important role it played in shaping the United States and the impact it continues to have on race relations in America.