Abstract

Although progress was made in outlawing discrimination and increasing support for integrated schools and neighborhoods in the previous century, egregious expressions of bias and hate are still daily constants for many students in schools. Too frequently, schools serve as sites for racial, ethnic, gender, and religious stereotyping and slurs. Bias, hate, and related violence are the genesis of most serious problems in schools. In this way, school climates serve as “part of the problem”; but they can also serve as “part of the solution.” It is clear that transforming schools into emotionally, psychologically, and physically safe spaces for all must be the paramount priority for educators. Schools cannot disregard the critical responsibility and unique opportunity they have to introduce and reinforce an alternative attitudinal and behavioral paradigm that teaches tolerance of and mutual respect for differences. As schools’ educational leaders, principals make the call on whether to ignore or confront bias and prejudice in their schools. Ignoring bias and prejudice imperils schools, their communities, and, ultimately, the nations of which they are a part; confronting these critical issues provides opportunities to create climates where there is safety and respect for all members of the school community. The study looked at the climate at an urban high school whose principal took steps to confront bias and harassment and support a culture that creates and maintains a respectful school climate. Interviews, surveys, and focus groups were conducted with students, staff members, and administrators to gather perceptions regarding the principal's actions related to school culture and climate issues.