Stripped of Culture: How Education Systems Fail to Support Students' Cultural Identities

Education systems have a responsibility to support and celebrate the cultural identities of all students. However, too often, these systems fail to do so, and instead strip students of their cultural identities in a number of harmful ways.

One way this can happen is through assimilation. Education systems may promote the assimilation of students into a dominant culture, rather than valuing and preserving their cultural identities. This can occur through curriculum, language policies, and other practices that prioritize the dominant culture and discourage the expression of students' own cultures.

Another way education systems can strip students of their cultural identities is through erasure. This can occur when education systems do not adequately represent or acknowledge the cultural histories and experiences of certain groups, leading to the erasure of their cultural identities. This can occur through the lack of representation in curriculum, the lack of cultural resources or support for students, and the lack of cultural competency among teachers and staff.

Finally, education systems may perpetuate negative stereotypes about certain cultural groups, which can damage students' sense of cultural identity and belonging. This can occur through biased teaching practices, the lack of cultural sensitivity, and the lack of cultural representation in curriculum and other resources.

It is clear that education systems have a long way to go in terms of being inclusive and culturally responsive. It is time for schools to recognize and respect the cultural identities of all students, and to work towards creating a more equitable and diverse educational experience for everyone. So, it is high time for the education system to change its approach towards the cultural identity of students.