"Tu No Eres de Aqui": Latino Children's Experiences of Institutional and Interpersonal Discrimination and Microaggressions

Informed by critical race theory and Latino critical perspective, this study examined Latino children's experiences with institutional and interpersonal forms of discrimination in the state of Arizona. Interviews conducted with 54 Latino immigrant parents revealed that Latino children encounter institutional and interpersonal forms of discrimination, including microaggressions. Interpersonal discrimination manifested through verbal abuse in the form of microinsults, microassaults, and physical attacks. Institutional discrimination occurred in schools as teachers minimized children's connection to the Spanish language or culture (microinvalidation), enforced informal "no Spanish in the classroom" policies, and practiced differential treatment toward Latino children. Consequently, parents reported that their children are hyperaware of discrimination, experience emotional distress and social isolation, and demonstrate indicators of internalized oppression. The article ends with a discussion of the implications for social work practice and recommendations for social work intervention.