Smart, Strong, and Silenced: How Schools Fail Black Girls—and How We Can Fix It

Education is often described as the great equalizer, yet for Black girls, the classroom can be a space of both promise and peril. As they navigate school environments, racism and sexism intersect, creating unique challenges that hinder their academic success and emotional well-being. From harsh discipline policies to curriculum gaps and barriers in STEM, Black girls are often forced to fight for their place in a system that was not designed for them. However, their resilience, intelligence, and activism continue to push boundaries, making it crucial to address the intersectional barriers they face.

The Disciplinary Divide: Adultification and Over-Policing

One of the most pressing challenges for Black girls in education is the disproportionate discipline they face. Research shows that Black girls are suspended six times more often than white girls, despite no evidence of higher misbehavior rates. This disparity stems from adultification bias, a stereotype that portrays Black girls as older, less innocent, and more aggressive than their white peers.

Instead of receiving the nurturing and guidance that all children deserve, Black girls are more likely to be labeled as disruptive or defiant when they assert themselves. Speaking out in class, defending themselves against mistreatment, or even wearing natural hairstyles can be seen as violations of school policies. This criminalization of Black girlhood pushes them out of classrooms and into the school-to-prison pipeline, limiting their future opportunities.

Invisible in the Curriculum: The Erasure of Black Women’s Contributions

Another major challenge Black girls face in education is the lack of representation in the curriculum. History books often highlight white male figures, while the contributions of Black women and girls remain overlooked. When Black women do appear, they are often confined to narratives of enslavement, struggle, or victimhood, rather than being recognized for their leadership, brilliance, and creativity.

The erasure of Black women from textbooks sends a damaging message: their voices and achievements do not matter. This absence impacts Black girls’ self-esteem and career aspirations, as they rarely see examples of people who look like them excelling in science, literature, politics, and other fields. Expanding the curriculum to include Black women writers, scientists, activists, and innovators is a necessary step in affirming Black girls’ identities and potential.

Stereotypes and Expectations: The Burden of Strength

Black girls are often expected to embody the “Strong Black Woman” trope, a stereotype that assumes they can endure pain and hardship without complaint. While resilience is a powerful trait, this expectation places an unfair burden on Black girls, denying them the emotional support and care that all students need.

Additionally, Black girls who are assertive or confident are frequently labeled as “loud,” “angry,” or “aggressive”, while the same behaviors in white girls are seen as leadership qualities. These stereotypes discourage Black girls from participating in classroom discussions, leadership roles, and academic challenges, reinforcing the idea that they must shrink themselves to be accepted.

Barriers in STEM: The Need for Representation and Support

Black girls are significantly underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, often due to implicit bias and lack of encouragement. Teachers and counselors may steer Black girls away from advanced math and science courses, assuming they are not suited for these subjects.

Furthermore, Black girls in STEM often struggle with isolation and microaggressions, as they may be the only Black girl in their class or program. Without mentors or role models who look like them, many Black girls feel discouraged from pursuing careers in these fields.

To close this gap, schools must actively recruit Black girls into STEM programs, provide mentorship opportunities, and highlight the contributions of Black women in science and technology. Representation matters—when Black girls see others who have succeeded, they are more likely to believe in their own potential.

The Power of Mentorship and Community Support

Despite these challenges, Black girls continue to excel, lead, and advocate for change. Across the country, programs dedicated to uplifting Black girls—such as Black Girls Code, Girls for Gender Equity, and The Loveland Foundation—are working to break barriers in education.

Mentorship plays a critical role in empowering Black girls. Having a teacher, counselor, or community leader who understands their experiences can make a significant difference in their confidence and success. Schools must increase the number of Black women educators, create safe spaces for Black girls, and invest in programs that support their academic and personal growth.

Creating an Equitable Future for Black Girls

• To ensure Black girls thrive in education, schools must:
• End discriminatory discipline policies that disproportionately punish Black girls.
• Revise the curriculum to include Black women’s contributions across all subjects.
• Challenge gender and racial stereotypes that limit Black girls’ potential.
• Increase access to STEM and leadership programs tailored to Black girls.
• Prioritize mental health and well-being by offering culturally competent support.

Black girls deserve an education system that sees them, values them, and nurtures their brilliance. By addressing the intersections of race and gender, we can create classrooms where all Black girls are empowered to succeed.

Dr. Derrick Campbell

CEO – Quarantine Racism Educational Services