This presentation explores the profound impact of domestic terror and racialized trauma on the academic performance of K-12 minoritized student populations. Research shows minoritized students face elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, along with difficulties adjusting to academic and social demands, often coupled with unidentified or unmanaged mental health challenges. The presentation applies leading trauma research and theories to the phenomenon of generational trauma associated with anti-black, anti-brown, political, and domestic terror-based social realities in the lives of underrepresented students. The content is a provocative examination designed to ignite critical-thinking, constructive dialogue, and reflective discussion among classified staff, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. This presentation focuses on the strong correlation between these mental health issues and academic performance of minoritized students, while providing attendees with evidence-based, practical skills to support this unique population of students during their academic journey.
