Advice

• Look at classroom discussions about topics such as race and culture as an opportunity to open others' minds and broaden their knowledge about your own culture, whatever it is. If someone says something that offends you, however, speak up. Dawn McCargo, one of the original student complainants, says, "Don't sit and be quiet. Kids can interact with their teachers these days, so it's our responsibility to bring up that we're uncomfortable -- then it's the teacher's responsibility to address that."

• Don't feel you have to speak for all members of your racial, ethnic, religious, or cultural group; speak only for yourself, and make clear that's all you can do if the class or teacher seems to assume otherwise.

• Keep an open mind when reading a book that at first might appear racist or otherwise offensive. "That might not be what the book is saying, so try to get past it," McCargo says.