As practitioners dedicated to fostering communication skills and improving the lives of children, we must also address the broader societal structures that impact our work. Recent research in nursing education provides critical insights that can be applied to speech-language pathology (SLP) to enhance our practices and outcomes. The study, "Racism and antiracism in nursing education: confronting the problem of whiteness," offers valuable lessons on addressing systemic racism through antiracism education.
Understanding the Research
The study conducted by Hantke, St. Denis, and Graham (2022) identifies "whiteness" as a system of racial hierarchy that privileges white people while disadvantaging others. The research highlights how white nursing faculty construct their identities and the importance of antiracism education in addressing systemic racism in healthcare.
Key Findings
The study reveals common patterns in the performance of whiteness among nursing faculty, including:
- Innocence: White faculty often perceive themselves as benevolent and neutral, which can obscure their participation in racially unjust systems.
- Superiority: There is a deeply ingrained sense of superiority, where white faculty position themselves as "Knowers" or exceptional individuals.
These patterns highlight the need for antiracism education at both personal and policy levels within nursing programs.
Implications for Speech-Language Pathology
While the study focuses on nursing, its findings are highly relevant to SLP. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:
1. Incorporate Antiracism Education
Integrate antiracism education into professional development programs. Understanding how systemic racism operates can help SLP practitioners become more aware of their biases and the impact on their work with children.
2. Reflect on Personal Biases
Encourage self-reflection among practitioners to recognize and address their own biases. This can be achieved through workshops, discussions, and continuous learning.
3. Advocate for Policy Changes
Work towards policy changes within educational and clinical settings that promote equity and inclusion. This includes advocating for curriculum changes that incorporate antiracism education.
4. Foster Inclusive Practices
Develop and implement inclusive practices that consider the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the children we serve. This can improve the effectiveness of therapy and create a more supportive environment for all children.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings of this study underscore the importance of ongoing research in antiracism within healthcare and education. As SLP practitioners, we should encourage and participate in research that explores the intersections of race, language, and therapy outcomes.
Conclusion
By applying the lessons from this research, we can enhance our practices and create better outcomes for the children we serve. Antiracism education is not just a theoretical concept; it is a practical tool that can help us address systemic inequities and improve our effectiveness as practitioners.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Racism and antiracism in nursing education: confronting the problem of whiteness.
