November 4, 2024

Leading a District Antiracism Journey

3 min read

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At San Mateo Union Higher College District, assistant superintendent Julia Kempkey and fairness coaches Shane Safir and Joe Truss faced the really hard reality that no solitary plan, curriculum, or education would be the essential to dismantling pervasive systemic inequities. Alternatively, they embraced the idea of a transform “journey”—a nonlinear technique to long-phrase antiracism perform centered around five guiding rules. Read far more in the March situation of EL.

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Resource link Discrimination is an unfortunate reality that many people experience on a daily basis. In order to create change, it is essential for districts to prioritize the development of a comprehensive antiracism approach. Leaders across various districts have already taken initiative, including dedicated efforts to ensure anti-bias training is developed and implemented. The following steps outline a plan for leading a district anti-racism journey in order to identify, address and reduce instances of racism in the community.

Step One: Establish an Antiracism Policy

The first step in leading a district antiracism journey is to develop a clear policy outlining the district’s commitment to addressing racism in the community. This policy should be approved by the district’s school board and it should include goals, expectations, and measures of accountability. It is also important to ensure that the policy is easily accessible and that there is ample communication about the policy and its significance to all students, families, and staff within the district.

Step Two: Prioritize Education

In order to effectively tackle racism, it is essential to first educate stakeholders within the district. This includes students, families, and staff, increasing understanding of key terms and concepts related to racism, prejudice, and discrimination. This step should also include opportunities for dialogue and ongoing discussion, as it is even more impactful when people are able to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful dialogue with one another.

Step Three: Foster Acceptance

Once the district has developed and implemented a clear antiracism policy and provided education, the next step is to foster acceptance and create a culture of respect. This should include recognition and appreciation of all races, cultures, religions, and beliefs, along with ongoing engagement in activities that improve cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the celebration of diversity and create an atmosphere of inclusion in which everyone feels welcomed and appreciated.

Step Four: Implement Anti-discrimination Practices

Finally, it is critical to ensure that all aspects of the district’s antiracism policy are thoroughly enforced. This includes developing and implementing appropriate consequences for any form of discrimination, such as bullying or hate speech. It is also important to regularly monitor the environment to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected.

Leading a district antiracism journey may seem like a daunting task, but with a clear plan, dedication, and consistent effort, it is absolutely possible to create a healthy and inclusive environment for all. Through taking a comprehensive approach and proactively addressing the issue of racism, districts across the country have already seen significant improvement and are leading the way to a brighter and more equitable future.