When Worlds Collide

Abstract

This chapter will equip any person with culturally responsive practices to engage with a multiracial student or family. Relevant literature and research on the multiracial population will be provided, including multiracial identity development models and common microaggressions that often occur within this population. Using fictitious case examples, common culturally insensitive mistakes will be reviewed. Through these case examples and follow-up questions to support critical thinking, the reader will clearly see the culturally insensitive practices that often occur with the multiracial population and ways to change language, interactions, and even documentation to support cultural responsiveness and interventions. The conclusion of the chapter summarizes key points and reminders when working with the multiracial population and serves as a “call to action” for readers to act as agents of change in educational settings by supporting and advocating for inclusivity and research-based, culturally responsive practices.