4: The Violent Effects of the “Invisible Tax” on Black Students in K–12 Schools

The number of violent incidents on and around campus is a key benchmark by which K–12 schools are measured each year. A high percentage of serious incidents can significantly impact a school’s safety rating, local, state, and federal funding, and negatively affect schools’ reputations in the community. However, the most threatening issue of safety for Black students lies in the culture of schooling within American education systems. This work critically examines the “invisible tax” Black students must endure daily through systems of oppression, racism, misogynoir, and low expectations in schools across the country. It explores how this often unseen violence affects the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of Black children. The discussion also highlights what school communities can do to create safe and loving environments for Black students, spaces that foster their social-emotional development and ultimately enhance their academic achievement.