Guilty of individual discrimination

You are a social worker at a high school that has served a primarily white community for years. Recently, due to redistricting, about one hundred African American students have been placed there. Soon, several African American students approach you with their concerns about Mrs. Roman, a teacher and the coach of the debate team. You’re told that when these students showed up to try out for the team, Mrs. Roman said, “I would think you people would be better suited to one of our sports teams.” Though more than half of the candidates for the debate team were African American, the newly formed team is comprised entirely of white students.

Respond to the following questions.

Why do you think Mrs. Roman filled the open spots on the debate team as she did?

Is she guilty of individual discrimination? Is the school guilty of institutional discrimination? Explain your reasoning.