Sunny Hostin Discusses Racism in Predominantly White Schools
“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin shared on Monday her belief that her children experienced racism while attending “predominantly White” private schools. She addressed this topic while reflecting on a recent statement by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the founder of the 1619 Project, who expressed regret over her decision to enroll her daughter in high-poverty, predominantly Black public schools in Brooklyn, aiming to confront educational disadvantages.
Hostin resonated with Hannah-Jones’ feelings but pointed out the issues that arise for Black students in predominantly White schools. “I think this is a choice many parents wrestle with regarding their children’s education, but it’s particularly challenging for Black parents,” Hostin explained. “I made a different choice by sending my kids to private school, which, although academically strong and well-funded, came with its own challenges.”
She elaborated on her children’s experiences, noting, “Despite excelling academically, they faced psychological trauma and racism. My daughter, for example, wears her hair in a big afro, and kids would try to stick pencils in it. There were name-calling and bullying events that were hard for her.”
Although Hostin acknowledged that her children did not struggle academically like Hannah-Jones’ daughter, she raised concern about the broader systemic issues impacting schools in predominantly non-White districts. “On a national scale, schools in these underfunded areas receive $23 billion less annually compared to their White counterparts, and that’s a significant disparity,” she remarked, emphasizing the need to address the inequities in public education funding.
ABC and the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, where Hostin previously enrolled her kids, were contacted for comments, yet there was no immediate response.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hannah-Jones noted that the focus should be on families lacking the means to secure better educational options, rather than critiquing her personal choices.
Hostin concluded her thoughts by expressing hope that concerns about her family’s education choices would also extend to the many Black children disadvantaged by the system. “I hope those outraged by our decision will feel equal or greater concern for the thousands of Black children whose families can’t afford better schooling,” she stated.
