Carlos R. Casanova

This article uses a framework that combines LatCrit theory, racist nativism, and liberating pedagogy of praxis (LPP) to examine how a community youth program's LPP practices countered the racist nativism Latinx youth experience in their high school. LPP practices challenged racist nativism by creating a space where Latinx youth faced each other in circles to engage in authentic collective intergenerational dialogue about lived experiences of racist nativism, which cultivated solidarity and a call to action.

Latinx youth exhibit educational leadership and possess unique insight into experiences of youth of color in K-12 schooling. Yet, adultism hinders authentic youth participation in educational decision making. In this study we address the following question: What types of behavior do K-12 school leaders demonstrate in response to Latinx youths’ experiences of racism? We share the story of a structured interaction, guided by social justice and forum theater, facilitated by Latinx youth to adult school leaders. We present our findings via the school leader lotería typology model and discuss the spectrum of adult educator behavior in response to youth voice.