Decriminalizing our elementary school boys of color | Vincent Basile | TEDxCSU

Schools remain hostile, unwelcoming spaces for boys of color. For decades, racialized school policies and classroom practices have criminalized boys of color in oppressive ways. In some schools, teachers are finding their own ways to make their classrooms better places for boys of color to learn—and be themselves. Dr. Vincent Basile is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Colorado State University. A recipient of the Miramontes Fellowship, Dr. Basile completed his Ph.D. in science and mathematics curriculum and instruction, with a graduate certificate in ethnic studies, at the University of Colorado. In his research, Dr. Basile has critically examined federal STEM education policy briefs spanning two decades, revealing cyclical patterns of racial commodification, racial essentialism, and differential racialization. Dr. Basile’s most recent research examined criminalization of boys of color in after-school STEM settings, and the ways decriminalizing practices work to disrupt escalating cycles of punishment, control, and resistance. Prior to his doctoral work, Dr. Basile taught for eight years in low-income middle and high schools in the north Denver area. During this time, he also worked outside the classroom on issues of education policy and engaged in science research. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx