Decision-Making in School Racial Conflict

Abstract

The following case portrays administrator, faculty, and student responses to a race-related incident that occurred in a predominantly White, wealthy, suburban high school. Reports of the story took off in news outlets and on social media; but the events did not end there. The scenario underscores the challenges involved in school and district leadership during emotionally intense, divisive periods of heightened public scrutiny about racism. Questions and case analyses challenge readers to identify opportunities for social justice leadership in response to racism and in the face of pressure to minimize events and consequences. Teaching notes are also included to assist readers in unpacking how to model social justice leadership in the face of complex and competing stakeholder perspectives.