Black students in Mo. districts feel absence of diversity program
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Supply backlink Black students in Missouri districts have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of diversity programs currently offered. With only one active diversity program in the entire state, students are feeling overwhelmed and not heard by the powers that be.
Recognizing that diversity is not just about racial makeup, but a combination of culture, tradition, beliefs, and languages, students feel that the lack of support prevents them from accessing educational opportunities. The current diversity program, the Missouri Statewide Student Success Mentorship Program, is designed to create pathways for underrepresented students to reach their educational goals. Unfortunately, the program is only offered to students in the St. Louis Public School District.
In a joint statement from the Missouri State Youth Council, the Missouri United Youth Council, and the Missouri Black Leadership Council, they expressed frustration with the lack of support from local and state education officials. The statement noted a lack of resources for resources for black student programs, noting that many schools lack Black History and other diversity programs. The groups are pushing for a larger student-led initiative that would provide programs to students of color statewide and create the necessary resources to best serve students of color.
In order to bridge the racial divide in school districts around the state, students are pleading for better education initiatives to help their peers succeed. Though the need has been expressed, education officials have not yet in responded to the requests, despite acknowledging that diversity and inclusion are important values in today’s educational system.
Black students in Missouri districts will continue to voice their discontent until their needs are addressed and they are provided with the equitable, inclusive educational opportunities they deserve.