Did you know that according to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, 55% of reported hate/bias incidents this year were in the K-12 environment? That means our schools have become a hotbed for tension overflow. In a time where our country is quite divided, our children are on the front lines. What can be done to reverse this trend? That is the question that our school leaders are hard at work trying to answer.
On April 12th the district presented to the public its proposed Diversity Plan; a small part of the overall Strategic Plan for the district. The plan was presented by Maureen Burr and Keith Howell, and laid out the general framework for what is being done today to promote the acceptance of human differences, celebrate our cultural differences, and ensure that teachers and support staff are using multiple instructional approaches to meet the needs of all students.
After the presentation a very impressive panel of speakers was introduced to answer pre-selected questions, and then questions from audience members.
To follow is a brief (and very para-phrased) recap of the question and answer portion of the evening. To view the forum in it's entirety, click here.
Q&A
Q: What is the financial cost of this plan, and the forum tonight?
A: This plan has come in at a cost of under $12k, and is being funded almost entirely through grant money.
Q: How do we engage those who may be opposed to this plan?
A: The forum was the start to that process. We need to engage each other. Don't debate or discuss, have meaningful, facilitated dialogue.
Q: What is being done at the elementary level today to introduce the ideals presented in the plan?
A: On going teacher training, administrator training, and parent groups are all taking place this year.
Q: How are other districts around the state handling the issues surrounding diversity?
A: Not well. Clumsily. Grosse Pointers should be proud that we're taking these steps and having these discussions.
Q: Will the {majority} straight white male be left out/behind?
A: NO. No person will be "left behind". By embracing each other's differences and experiences we all grow, and we all win.
During closing remarks, it was brought up that racism is rooted in fear; the fear that if you gain, I lose. We need to remind ourselves that equity is not pie, and that this is not a zero-sum game. Moving beyond our own biases and fears is not an easy task, but it's something WE can do together. Because together, we can. Together, we will. I hope to see you all at the next community forum.
