"To Kill a Mockingbird" exemplifies the destruction of innocence through Scout's point of view as she experiences racism in the city of Maycomb. Atticus' case on Tom Robinson and the judgement and criticism that he and the family receive is an example of how the children are becoming more aware of racism. Karen B. McLean Donaldson's book, "Through students' eyes: Combating racism in United States school", explains how discrimination in schools not only affects the school system and the teachers, but the lives of the students as well.

Donaldson describes the one type of racism that is seen in school and she states that "institutional racism is manifested through established laws, customs, and practices that reflect and produce racial inequalities in society (15)." Institutional racism is often seen in inappropriate rates of suspension, detention, and expulsion, insufficient school funding, biased curriculum, and ability grouping and tracking. These examples affect the students' future occupation and abilities.

In the book, Scout and Jem are invited by Calpurnia to go to her church; and despite the slight discrimination that is seen in the chapter, the children witness prejudice from a different point of view. Another scene in the book that represents the children's exposure to racism is when the students and townspeople insult Scout and Jem's father for protecting Tom Robison in his case. This is seen multiple times but when Mrs. Dubose states, "Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for (Lee 117), Jem's reaction was negative and almost violent.

Karen B. McLean Donaldson describes racism as the result of "prejudice plus power (11)" and a "sick belief system" that is not a good match to meet the needs of all American citizens (13)." This definition perfectly describes racism in the United States because naive children will be influenced through their parents' own definition. It is important that students in all schools know the true meaning of racism, otherwise it will be impossible for future leaders to eradicate racism in all communities.