A Class Divided: Jane Elliott's Experiment on Discrimination

Background

Event Trigger: The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 led Jane Elliott, a third-grade teacher in Riceville, Iowa, to devise a lesson on discrimination.
Objective: To teach her students about racism and empathy in a concrete way, beyond discussion.

Date: First implemented in April 1968 after MLK's assassination.
Exercise: Divided students by eye color (blue vs. brown) to simulate discrimination.
Rules: On the first day, blue-eyed students were deemed superior and given privileges.
Behavior Changes:
- Blue-eyed students became arrogant and discriminatory.
- Brown-eyed students felt demoralized and discriminated against.
Role Reversal: The following day, roles were reversed to allow students to experience both sides.

Behavioral Change: Students quickly adopted discriminatory behaviors based on newly-assigned roles.
Emotional Impact: Students learned firsthand the pain and irrationality of prejudice.
Academic Performance: Academic performance improved after the exercise, as students became more motivated and confident.
Long-term Effects: Reunion years later showed lasting impact on students' perspectives on discrimination.

Documentary: "The Eye of the Storm" captured the exercise in Elliott's classroom.
Usage: Shown in government, business, and educational settings to teach about racial prejudice.

Corrections Officers: Elliott conducted workshops with prison staff to demonstrate the effects of discrimination, using similar eye color segregation.
Reactions: Participants experienced feelings of powerlessness and learned about the emotional impact of discrimination.
Educational Value: Highlighted the potential to change perspectives and behaviors toward minority groups.

Goal: To combat racism by teaching empathy and understanding from a young age.
Methodology: Believes in the power of experiential learning to bring about real change in attitudes.

Potential Harm: Caution advised in implementing such exercises as they can have damaging effects if not conducted properly.
Educator Training: Suggests training teachers to properly conduct these exercises to minimize harm and maximize learning.

Impact on Society: Elliott's work sheds light on how discrimination can be taught and understood, emphasizing the need for education systems to address these issues comprehensively.
Community Reaction: Despite the radical nature of her teaching methods, Elliott faced little resistance in her community, indicating a broader acceptance of her goals and methods.