Peer Lab Statement - Support for Black Lives Matter
We, at the Peer Relations Lab, join the chorus of millions of voices around the globe denouncing racism and police brutality. Our research, and the work of countless others, highlights the boundless strength, resilience, and achievements of Black students and students of color. These students’ lives and futures are constantly jeopardized by chronic and systemic injustices, and it is the responsibility researchers, educators, and members of the broader public to do their part to change the system.
Your Role is Important
Collectively, our research group studies the social relationships that young people turn to in times of need. Friends, families, teachers, community members, and peers all play important roles in uplifting and recharging us in times of hardship.
We know that social and emotional support is especially helpful during times of stress. If you are able, check in on your friends’ and other loved ones’ well-being, and work to provide and receive the emotional support you may each need to buffer the river of negative information we currently face.
Balancing Negative with Positive
While we should not and cannot ignore racism, we encourage you to also spend time engaging with information that illustrates positive actions, empathy, and unity on the part of individuals and communities. This information often provides us with the added motivation we need to continue combating injustice when our own spirits are low.
Silence Is Not Always Golden
Although we largely focus on the positive aspects of social relationships, we also know from our decades of work on bullying and peer victimization that silence communicates to others a tacit approval of the injustices being inflicted. Speak up when you can and in your own way. Activism is an ecosystem; we all do our own part.
Opportunities for Change
We offer resources below for those seeking more information on how to talk to and with their support networks about the current civil rights crisis, and how we may each do our part toward dismantling racism and injustice (click to follow links):
Academics for Black Survival and Wellness
CASEL CARES: Owning Your Power to Raise Kids Who Challenge Racism