Anti-Racist Digital Literacy Principles
A framework for curriculum development and assessment
An effective set of principles for anti-racist digital literacy education fosters critical thinking, inclusivity, and the proactive dismantling of systemic racism in digital spaces.
The Nine Principles
These principles emerged from a synthesis of literature on digital literacy, anti-racist education, and current research trends. They serve as a starting point for curriculum development and assessing curricular alignment.
1. Critical Analysis of Media and Information
Teach learners to critically evaluate digital content, identify biases, and analyze sources to understand the impact on marginalized communities.
Who creates content? For what purpose? How does it affect different communities?
2. Inclusivity and Representation
Highlight diverse voices and experiences in digital content. Encourage learners to seek out and amplify stories from underrepresented groups to challenge dominant narratives.
3. Challenging Racism and Discrimination
Educate learners about racism and discrimination in digital spaces. Equip them with tools to:
- Recognize microaggressions
- Confront racist behaviors
- Understand power dynamics
4. Building Digital Empathy and Solidarity
Guide learners to develop empathy and solidarity by:
- Connecting with others who share their experiences
- Supporting anti-racist causes
- Participating in collaborative projects promoting allyship
5. Promoting Equity and Social Justice
Integrate social justice into digital literacy education through:
- Advocating for change
- Supporting social justice movements
- Engaging in civic action
6. Digital Safety and Well-Being
Teach online safety to protect learners from cyberbullying and harassment. Create supportive environments where learners can engage in anti-racist education without fear of retaliation or harm.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Foster lifelong learning and adaptation to evolving technologies and social contexts. Encourage learners to stay informed on digital developments affecting racial equity.
8. Addressing Mental Health and Socio-emotional Learning
Acknowledge the emotional and mental burdens of advocating for systemic change. Emphasize the importance of self-care and support — for both learners and educators.
9. Self-Care for Educators
Support educators in maintaining resilience through:
- Practicing self-compassion
- Setting boundaries
- Seeking professional or peer support
Mental well-being enhances the ability to engage in anti-racist work effectively.
Applying the Principles
| Context | Application |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Design | Use principles as a checklist for course development |
| Assessment | Evaluate curricular alignment against each principle |
| Professional Development | Frame teacher training around these concepts |
| Student Projects | Guide inquiry and digital creation through this lens |
Key Sources
- Goering & Thomas (2018) — Critical evaluation of digital content
- Witte et al. (2021) — Media literacy and bias identification
- Price-Dennis & Sealey-Ruiz (2021) — Decentering whiteness in online classrooms
- Eschmann (2021) — Critical race digital literacy
- Beard et al. (2023) — Digital empathy and solidarity
- Barnes & Marlatt (2024) — Equity and civic engagement
- Reid (2024), Love (2024), Muhammad (2023) — Educator well-being
- Mentor & Sealey-Ruiz (2021) — Self-care in anti-racist work
Related
- Teaching Digital Self-determination — Pedagogical approach
- Digital Self-determination — The broader framework
- Critical Citizenship — Civic engagement online
- Surveillance and Data Ethics in Education — Power dynamics in schools
These principles offer a comprehensive framework for creating anti-racist digital literacy education, guiding both educators and learners toward a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.