At Thursday's
Parents Association meeting, Middle School Dean Kiri Harris and 3rd grade teacher Erica Snowden led an interactive presentation talking about race and equality in our community. Using videos, exercises, chalk talks, and group discussions, they delved into concepts like affinity groups, micro-aggressions, and colorblindness, among others.
Kiri and Erica also reviewed how this information has been explored with faculty and staff as well as students this school year.
For more information and additional resources, check out the PDF below that Kiri and Erica provided at the meeting. To continue this conversation in the broader community, check out
this upcoming discussion series.
Save the date: the next Parents Association meeting will be on Thursday, March 12!
Here are the write-ups from the "Chalk Talks" during the PA meeting:
Colorblindness
not possible!
*naïve
pretending everything’s OK
just
aspirational
MLK’s Content of Character quote
being able to see beyond skin color
ignoring
+/-
children (?)
Is this the goal? Or to be color aware and OK with difference?
before you know any different (i.e. kids)
it’s OK to see color
Affinity Groups
safe
isolating?
social club
double dip both safe + isolating
boring?
excluding ü
affirming
ever-fragmenting
easy
continuing the problem?
comforting: people who understand your experience üü
boundaries/belonging
Social Microaggressions
subtle racism
part of everyday life
trying to fit in
trying to be nice
misunderstanding at times?
effects accumulating over time
“Can I touch your hair?” ü (kid asked today!!)
inquisitive? (kids)
some are intentional/some are clumsy
ignorance – can be the result of
historical
pervasive
Am I guilty?
White privilege
entitlement
guilt
opportunity to be an ally?
backpack full of unearned benefits
uncomfortable
unjust
unaware
unfair
perception
apologetic
excuse
needs to be redressed through societal change
not noticing the “privilege”
should not be privilege on either side
It is a fact.
Multiculturalism
term in danger of becoming a cliché
many cultures, all valued
box of crayons
learn from others
a rich life ü
agree, diversity leads to a richer life
understanding and acceptance of all cultures
different but all ok
not boring but challenging
learn and grow
embracing diversity
cliché?
respect
GSFS – full of cultures