Position Statement Racism, Prejudice, and Discrimination The National Association of School Psychologists is committed to promoting the rights, welfare, educational, and mental health needs of all students. This can only be accomplished in a society which ensures that all people, including children and youth, are treated equitably without reference to race or ethnicity. NASP believes that racism, prejudice, and discrimination are harmful to children and youth because they can have a profoundly negative impact on school achievement, self-esteem, personal growth, and ultimately the welfare of all American society. A discussion of multicultural issues requires a definition of terms. Prejudice is an attitude, opinion, or feeling formed without prior knowledge, thought, or reason.
Discrimination is differential treatment that favors one individual, group, or object over another.
The source of discrimination is prejudice, and the actions are not systematized. The critical element of racism which differentiates racism from prejudice and discrimination is the use of institutional power and authority to support prejudice and enforce discriminatory behaviors in systematic ways with far reaching outcomes and effects. As a nation, we must be committed to replacing racism, discrimination, and prejudice with attitudes and behaviors that reflect fairness and cooperation. Children must learn tolerance and cooperation, and this learning must begin at an early age. Role of the School Psychologist As mental health professionals, school psychologists must understand the effects of racism, discrimination, and prejudice, how they impact their professional work, and how they affect every facet of the lives of children and adults in America.