Journal Article

Challenging Whiteness at Claremont High School

Terri Nicol Watson and Angel Miles Nash
June 2021 | University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA); Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership

This journal article from the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership addresses the impact of seemingly race-neutral school dress code policies. Ebony Wright was slated to graduate from Claremont High School in the spring. She was on the honor roll, captain of the girls’ varsity softball and swim teams, and recently awarded an academic scholarship to attend a highly ranked university in the fall. Ebony was a “model” student. How she found herself sitting in the principal's office several weeks before graduation was a shock to everyone. This case study challenges the function of Whiteness in school policies. Aspiring school and teacher leaders are provided with the opportunity to consider the impact of a seemingly race-neutral school dress code policy. This case study could be used in educational leadership programs and as lessons and coursework that emphasize equity and decision making. 

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