Discussing Inequity in a Pandemic

Throughout May 2020, Burke offered weekly discussion groups on Google Meet for students in Grades 9-10 – creating space to grapple with issues of equity and inclusion that the COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp relief. To the right are discussion questions from Director of Equity & Inclusion Steven Lee, and we welcome you to discuss them on your own.

Economic Uncertainty and Food Insecurity

The precipitous downturn in the US economy has resulted in many people being furloughed or laid off from their jobs. Even people who are fortunate enough to remain employed are experiencing heightened levels of financial anxiety.

Suggested Reading Washington Post: Coronavirus is forcing food banks to step up like never before | April 8, 2020 AP: Pandemic provokes spike in demand for food pantries in US | April 18, 2020

Discussion Questions Have you witnessed or experienced food scarcity and/or financial anxiety in your community (perhaps including your own family)? What does this look like and how does this make you feel?

COVID-19 and Racial Disparity

An equity issue that has become increasingly manifest is the racial disparity in reported coronavirus cases and deaths. As various journalists have noted, the pandemic has exposed the structural inequities in both our healthcare system and our society in general.

Suggested Reading Washington Post: African Americans Are at a Higher Risk of Death from Coronavirus | April 7, 2020 CNN: Native Americans & Coronavirus | April 14, 2020

Discussion Questions A similar racialized pattern of COVID-19 cases is currently playing out in the DC region. How does a knowledge of this make you feel? Can you imagine a different public health reality?

Anti-Asian Violence and Xenophobia

Many in the independent school world are familiar with the superficially positive stereotype of Asian Americans as a “model minority” (i.e. in comparison to other racial minority groups), but there is a rise of anti-Asian violence across the country and throughout the world.

Suggested Reading “The Long History of US Racism against Asian Americans” by Professor Adrian De Leon (USC) NBC News: Federal agencies are doing little about the rise in anti-Asian hate | April 18, 2020

Discussion Questions Why do you think xenophobia rises during times of crisis? What role do you think the government should play in addressing this phenomenon?