Notes JoAnne
took from June 2 session:
Notes from our Study Circle on Race and Class meeting, June 2, 2003
Personal concerns and observations
- Own fears
- Places where racism and classism are embedded in oneself
General concerns and questions and observations
- The invisible and visible markers of privilege and rank/how the system stratifies students, families, staff and faculty
- The metaphor of a pie and belief that there are only so many pieces
- What are we willing to do to make changes? What privileges are those with privilege willing to give up?
- Need to expand our mental models
- Amherst isn’t the only educational option for the children of Amherst
- How can we deal with the sense of alienation of some of the students?
Issues relating to the ARHS/School System
- Budget cuts
- Vandelism
- How diversity is pictured on walls is not how experienced in school
- Plucking people out/ e.g. tracking
- Knowing the system…those who do are advantaged/receive more benefits
- Individualizing and pathologizing issues and concerns
- Competitive grading
- Who makes the rules and who keeps the rules?
- Fairness and justice in dealing with making and enforcing of policy
Places of Hope
- There are concerned people
- Spiritual connections
- Will
- The power of healing relationships
- Possibility and power of empathy…to step into the shoes of another
- Possibility to empower each individual
Beginning action suggestions;
- Have ombudsperson/ally to facilitate problem solving
- Parent volunteers or others who reflect the cultural diversity of the school and can serve as advocates for students and families who otherwise do not feel as comfortable or welcomed in the school
- Advocacy groups, not funded through the school, including parents
GO BACK TO StudyCircles