Physical education is more than just sports and exercise. For many students and teachers, it is a space where racism can occur. A review of international research shows that teachers often face racism personally or witness their students being treated unfairly in the gym or on the field.
One major finding is that "whiteness" often acts as an invisible norm in current physical education programs. This means the standard way of teaching might not account for the diverse experiences of all students. Because of this, many educators feel that current curriculums do not have enough anti-racist content to support everyone.
Teachers are now pushing for better training to address these biases. While the research highlights a clear need for more inclusive training, it also shows that racism is a complex issue shaped by local environments. Educators want tools to help them create a safer, more welcoming environment for every student.
