Black Students Are in Crisis. These School Leaders Are Helping

The COVID-19 pandemic may be fading in the rearview mirror for many, but the “new normal” introduced (or exposed) several devastating realities. Our nation’s youth, particularly Black students and students from low-income backgrounds, are facing heightened instances of trauma, yet critical mental health resources remain scarce.In 2021, 37% of students in grades 9-12 reported experiencing poor mental health; 1 in 5 were seriously considering suicide, and 1 in 10 attempted suicide. With suicide being the second leading cause of death for Black children ages 10-19, it’s time to sound the alarm. Make no mistake: Student mental health has been neglected across low-income and communities of color long before the pandemic. But schools are often a young person’s first line of defense. And yet, only about half of US schools provide mental health assessments, and just 42% provide treatment. There’s plenty schools can, and should, do to address this issue as part of overall support for students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being — from offering one-on-one therapy and universal mental health screenings to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment with an inclusive curriculum that keeps them engaged. Even amid all sorts of societal challenges, Black children need every opportunity to...