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Begin the Conversation

I read the report on the Guilford school culture survey [“School Culture Report Issued,” Feb. 10] with some interest. I in turn read through the entire school culture report.

While the document acknowledges the inherent difficulties faced by minority students in a predominantly White school system, one group’s views were entirely absent. Such neglect is emblematic of the “model minority” myth that has been applied to Asian Americans. We hear “of course you are good at math,” or “of course you are good at piano.” These harmful stereotypes negate the difficult choices students and families make between competing priorities, and discount the hard work that is necessary to achieve excellence in any pursuit.

One may very well ask why these views were not expressed by the students and teachers. A lack of representation was clearly a culprit. Perhaps many have played into the stereotype of “quiet and obedient” students and citizens. Consider this an invitation to begin the conversation, to explore and address unique challenges of an overlooked group of minority students in Guilford.

Lei Chen

Guilford