Argues that simply being non-racist is not an option: antiracism is the only approach acceptable to fighting racism

Beginning from the premise that being non-racist – and other ‘neutral’ positions – are inadequate in the face of a racist society and institutions, this book provides language educators with practical tools to implement antiracist pedagogy in their classrooms. It offers readers a solid theoretical grounding for its practical suggestions, drawing on work in critical race theory, critical sociolinguistics and language ideology to support its argument for antiracist pedagogy as a necessary form of direct action. The author contends that antiracist pedagogy is a crucial part of the project of decolonizing universities, which goes beyond tokenistic diversity initiatives and combats racism in institutions that have historically helped to perpetuate it. The author’s pedagogical suggestions are accompanied by online resources which will help the reader to adapt and develop the material in the book for their own classrooms.   

"Approaches to teaching Spanish in the US have too often ignored the systematic marginalization of Spanish language users in schools and communities throughout the nation. Magro’s book provides a compelling examination of these dynamics and a powerful set of pedagogical strategies for linking Spanish language learning to broader political struggles." - Jonathan Rosa, Stanford University, USA

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Magro presents to readers a navigable roadmap to antiracist language education, intricately weaving together racializing experiences, hip hop, research, and sociocultural examples. He defines what racism and antiracism mean within and across language education before sharing expertly crafted pedagogical approaches. This book is a revelation on the importance of engaging with critical, antiracist language theory and praxis to create a multilingual and just society.

"Teaching Spanish is not a neutral endeavor. In flowing and compelling prose, José Magro provides an outsider perspective on why and how US-based language teaching needs to address its colonial, Eurocentric foundations and adopt an antiracist approach that treats race, ethnicity, class, gender, and linguistic identity as crucial dimensions of language pedagogy." - Cecelia Cutler, CUNY Graduate Center, USA