Summary

The "BlackAtPaideia" Instagram account is highlighting experiences of racism among Black students at the progressive Paideia School in Atlanta, prompting introspection and action within the school community.

Abstract

The BlackAtPaideia Instagram account has emerged as a platform for Black students at the Paideia School in Atlanta to document instances of racism and microaggressions within their educational environment. Despite Paideia's reputation as a progressive institution that fosters creativity and individualism, the account has revealed a disconnect between the school's values and the experiences of its Black students. The administration, including Assistant Head Laura Magnanini, has acknowledged the issues raised and committed to implementing changes to address systemic racism. These changes include creating forums for BIPOC students to voice concerns, hiring more diverse faculty, and establishing a student-led diversity council to address incidents of ignorance or discrimination.

Opinions

Some leftists view debates over microaggressions as a distraction from broader political goals, emphasizing the need for unity in building working-class power.
Zoomer activists at Paideia School consider microaggressions and unintentional racism to be significant issues that create real disadvantages for Black students.
The administration of Paideia School recognizes the power of the BlackAtPaideia account and is cooperative, though there is an emphasis on the need for action beyond words to effect tangible change.
The potential retirement of Headmaster Paul Bianchi raises questions about succession, with current Assistant Head Laura Magnanini, a woman of color, being viewed favorably by the BlackAtPaideia group for her supportive role during this time.
BlackAtPaideia's goals include establishing more forums for BIPOC student expression, addressing microaggressions, improving facilities like bus stops and waiting areas, and increasing the diversity of faculty across all departments.

JUSTICE

“BlackAtPaideia”: Zoomer Activism Rattles a Progressive School

A liberal Atlanta school fights racism within its own walls.

For those of us who have spent our adult lives fighting tedious battles on the Left, the term “microaggressions” can induce any reaction from impassioned advocacy to justified eye-rolling.

This tweet sums up the feelings of some leftists who spend more time arguing with comrades than building power for the working class. Stereotypes depict leftists as ruthlessly efficient bombthrowers, whereas our real lives are dominated by internal debates about gender, language, and privilege.

But Zoomer activists in Atlanta are documenting how microaggressions and unintentional racism create real disadvantages for Black students.

What is “Paideia”?

The BlackAtPaideia account on Instagram features off-color jokes, false assumptions, and outright racism in one of the most progressive educational environments in the Deep South: The Paideia School in Atlanta.

If “Paideia” vaguely rings a bell, perhaps you were following Mr. Jon Ossoff’s campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2017. Articles about Ossoff’s run for the GA-06 seat frequently highlighted his “expensive” and/or “pricy” secondary education.

During the same Spring, The New York Times described Paideia as “an Atlanta private school known for nurturing creativity and individualism.”

Rembert Browne, who graduated from Paideia with Jon Ossoff in 2005, referred to the school as “Atlanta’s liberal smarts factory” in an op-ed.

Mr. and Mrs. Ossoff in 2017. (Photo: Business Insider.)

The Class of 2005 also gave us Daniel Platzman, better known as the drummer for Imagine Dragons.

When I attended Paideia, CeeLo Green, Ludacris, and former gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter were all Paideia parents.

One of my classmates in Introduction to Physics was the son of Richard Wright, the keyboardist from Pink Floyd.

What is “BlackAtPaideia”?

Shortly after the George Floyd protests reached Atlanta, Black students at Paideia School added their voices to the national cries for racial justice. But they did so in the way that made sense to them.

They asked Paideians (past and present) to submit testimonials about day-to-day racism within their school.

By the looks of the page, dozens in the Paideia community obliged promptly.

After students and alumni began to disclose their experiences to “B@π,” teachers joined in.

One sentence can comprise a B@π testimonial, but some posts span paragraphs.

The age range of the respondents is also impressive: some posts are labeled “2025,” indicating that they were authored by junior high students (who will graduate in 2025).

During the account’s first week online, Paideia’s Headmaster sent the following message to school alumni (including me):

[BlackAtPaideia’s] posts are powerful and speak to the racism that pervades our society and also exists at our school. As you know, we work hard to make the school welcoming and inclusive of everyone. It is heartbreaking to all of us that this work has been insufficient.

I apologize on behalf of Paideia for our shortcomings. We will do better. We are taking several actions right away to address these shortcomings, and also putting in place structures to maintain the momentum to create change.

I messaged BlackAtPaideia to ask how the administration felt about their project, how adults can help, and more.

The DMs

Alex Garrett: Has the administration met with you [remotely] to discuss the account?

BlackAtPaideia: All the meetings we have had have been great. It really seems like mostly everyone is working with us and not against us. But, we still need to get things implemented, because words are cheap and actions cost — so hopefully things really start to change.

A. Paul Bianchi will probably retire soon. Is it important to you guys that the next Headmaster is Black?

B. Laura Magnanini is currently the Assistant Head of School and we assume that she will be the next in line for the Headmaster position. Fortunately, she is a woman of color (Asian-American) and has been very helpful during this time. So, we don’t think we need to suggest any new successors.

Laura Magnanini, Assistant Head of Paideia School, was my Ethics teacher in high school. (Photo: LinkedIn.)

A. Well, if you’re happy with Laura, then what changes would you like to see instead? In other words, what are BlackAtPaideia’s goals?

B. We are working to get more forums for BIPOC students to express their grievances during the school year. Whether that be a counselor or a monthly town hall. Also trying to fix small microaggressive commonalities that occur at the school. Working to get a new bench for the Marta Bus stop and a designated authority to watch over where a lot of students of color wait for the bus.

B. Also working to get a designated building for the students that have to wait after school for their parents to get off work (predominantly students of color). We want more faculty of color in every department (not just black teachers but teachers of all ethnicities and races). Also, we are trying to start a diversity council made up of students that can deliberate on ignorant occurrences and decide on punishments. Those are our main goals for now. Thank you.