Race and Social Justice teacher shares about the topic

One of the newest classes offered at Armijo is Race and Social Justice, taught by Mr. Andrew Tkach. The course was first introduced last year and is an option for students in 10H or 11 who want to focus on the subject rather than take the traditional US History class.

The course catalog describes Race and Social Justice by saying that “students will explore U.S. history through the lens of race relations and the quest for social justice by various racial and ethnic groups.” It involves group work and in-depth research with the goal of developing a community action plan. The goal is to develop critical thinkers who can use history to analyze the present.

Mr. Tkach is currently the only teacher for this course, so his opinions on the topics addressed are likely to influence those of his students. He agreed to share those opinions in a recent email interview.

Q: Do you see an end to Racial and Social injustice?

No, I don’t. I think it’s easier to pass laws and regulate things than to change people’s minds and hearts. That said, it doesn’t excuse inaction. Every little step we take to challenge injustices in our country is a worthwhile step.

Q: What steps are needed to change the Racial and Social Injustice in America?

There are many legal steps that could be taken to alleviate some injustices in our country. We can look at our housing policies which historically have been highly racist or educational system that punishes students who are disproportionately lower income, minority students. Even things like cashless bail could be a small step towards ending some injustices in this country. Aside from government policies, there also things that individuals can do. We can read, watch, and listen to positions that challenge our thinking. We can allow ourselves room to grow, and we can also give that same room to other people. Minds are changed by yelling louder.

Q: What are your thoughts on the discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community?

I think that that is a community that has experienced intense discrimination. Members of that community have been around forever, but it hasn’t always been as open as it is now. It’s also probably one of the largest groups that some people say (falsely) that you could change. By that I mean that there are some people who argue that your orientation or sexuality is a choice, and LGBTQ+ individuals are making a choice to be who they are.

Q: How can we change Social Injustice for the better?

I think we can all take small actions that can collectively make a difference. The most important thing to do is to vote and to convince others to vote for people that will combat injustices.

Q: How can we promote social justice?

I think we can use whatever platform we have to engage others. Engage doesn’t mean talk down to or yell at or cancel. You also need to accept that you cannot alter the way that everyone thinks. When we expose ourselves to different opinions and ideas, we maintain awareness of what others think and feel. We can use that to create messages and dialogue that relate to them more. And again, voting and being engaged in politics is always an important way to enact change.

Q: Where do you see the Racial and Social injustice in our system 10 years from now? Do you think it would be changed for the better or worse?

I think that in 10 years, it has the potential to have changed for the better, but that’s no guarantee that it will. People assume that “progress” is inevitable, but it’s not. Equality is not the default option in our system. It only comes about when people work tirelessly for it.

Q: Why do you think Social Justice and Social Injustice is so important for kids to learn about these days?

I think young people are being exposed to these ideas anyways. By trying to teach them in a structured way, the goal is to give students the tools to understand the world and as well as ways to take action. Students are very informed about what is happening in the world but not as much on why those things are happening. It’s important that they learn to ask questions about what they’re seeing and experiencing.

Q: Is there any advice for people that could someday experience Racial and Social Injustice?

Unfortunately I don’t really have any magical advice. The reality is that people will experience it based on their skin color, perceived orientation or economic status. The only thing that I hope those people know is that there are people who are fighting to change those situations.