Mr. Smith’s Class on Race in America

A new class has been added to the Woodstock Union Highschool curriculum. Social Studies teacher, Steven Smith, is teaching Race in America in the second semester.

The class will be heavily discussion based and will “take a closer look at racism in American History and celebrate the diverse accomplishments of many African Americans,” says Mr. Smith.

“I always had an interest in the relationship with African Americans in American history and how central it is,” says Mr. Smith. This is one of the main reasons why he offered the class.

In this new class, Mr. Smith wants to encourage student engagement.

“I strive to have students start topics and controversy.”

As of right now, the class curriculum includes: the media's take on the founding of the country, specifically surrounding slavery’s role in the start of our country; why Reconstruction after the Civil War failed; how housing policies destroyed the ability for African Americans to generate wealth;, implicit bias/media representation, and gun violence in inner city areas.

Due to the recent spike in states banning the teaching of critical race theory, Mr. Smith is glad to have the platform to talk about important issues regarding race.

“Part of education is to be presented with multiple perspectives and views,” he states, noting that is his main goal for the class.

You can soon expect a lot of great discussion in Mr. Smith’s room in blocks two and five. This is a class you surely would hate to miss.