In many lay conversations around education (particularly in communities of color), schooling is presented as a “way out” for youth. Schooling is the path to take in order to make it out of their subjugated community and towards upward mobility and capital. These conversations do not account for the racialized violence and Othering experienced by students of color. Although this violence and Othering has been heavily countered by activists, organizers and scholars alike, steps towards undoing this violence typically take the form of reform- and policy-based solutions. While reform may be necessary in order to enact change, it is slow, usually avoids treating problems in favor of treating symptoms, and limits the extent and orientation of action.

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