Mar. 2021
Anti-bias and Anti-racism in HUSD is not just a professional development training, it is an approach to education in general
Special Student edition - student leadership antiracism movement launch in HUSD
Our District Commitment to Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism includes in part a focus on developing student leaders for AB/AR
"A summary of who I am is very passionate, logical, blunt, creative, weird, honest, and self-reliant. I usually prefer to be hidden because of previous experiences, not wanting any attention on me whatsoever. I am very aware on how cruel the world can be. I don't take a lot risks. I am also very observant and quiet. I watch life go by a lot. I care a lot about other children. I choose not to get help from others a lot. I have my own back. I love my family. I usually would never want to show up in the world. But this seems like an opportunity to prove myself wrong. And this is a topic I feel strongly about. I want to be seen as strong in the world. I want to do all I can to help my fellow human beings. I want this world to be safe for my generation and future generations. I want communities to feel safe. Thats how I want show up in the world"
-Anonymous SLAM Student Member
What is SLAM?
HUSD is launching a new and innovative student leadership program entitled SLAM, or Student Leadership antiracism movement as an expression of our core value of equity and as an implementation component of our equity and antiracism Board policies. This program will operate at both the site and district levels. The program will include access to the program founder Dr. Lori Watson of Race-Work and will support our students to develop racial consciousness, have an impact in our district, and to enhance their competitiveness for success after high school.
SLAM Launched March 22nd, 2021
About 42 students participated in our launch session with the program founder along with supporting advisors and some HUSD staff. The session dedicated time to discussing how race and bias shows up in our daily lives; why that matters; and time was dedicated to understanding and practicing using a tool to discuss issues of race of bias. One student noted that this was the best zoom session she'd ever attended! Students from elementary, middle, and high school were represented from multiple schools across the district.
Student Leadership Antiracism Movement (SLAM) Flyer for HUSD
Check out this video from a MEHS student who is helping to bring SLAM to HUSD
WE ARE STILL OPENT FOR STUDENT PARTICIPANTS (Grades 6-12) SO PLEASE either share this program interest form link as the program continues, or email ccofield@husd.us for for information and to refer students and/or adult sponsors
Saturday SLAM Local Meetings
In addition to meeting with the program founder, SLAM participants meet with trained advisors to continue the momentum, conversations, and related projects to advance student voice and agency in our community. This past Saturday, we had our first Saturday SLAM follow-up check-in event featuring a reflection on what resonated with students from the launch, brainstorming about AB/AR projects, and community building amongst members.
Early Feedback from Students on Joining SLAM
"I want to join the movement because I see, hear, feel, and read about racial biases and how people act on them. Through this movement, I hope to make a difference in my own community with this safe space to share and gain tools to fight racism."
"I am Chicano or Hispanic and I've noticed racism among different communities. I have friends who aren't the same race as me as a fact most of my friends aren't. I've heard of their experiences and I've just kind of gathered thoughts and views on certain topics."
"Theres been a surge of racial crimes and murders over the past years and I’m interested in educating myself more about other POC besides myself. There has also been a surge of Asian hate crimes, which hits close to home for me and I would like to see if I have any opportunities to help those that are being discriminated."
"I am chicana and I know and love each and every other culture for their uniqueness and i want to meet people from different culture backgrounds."
"Yes, because if you only address issues of race to a certain group of people, racism will forever exist and go on."
"Generally what I need to address issues is fact check myself first and then I will speak. I've heard even relatives say things that are well... racist and I've called them out lightly however it didn't really work..."
"Back when school was still in person, I hear lots of racist remarks on a daily basis but, as a black person, i felt like if I spoke up i would be a target. With the support of an entire group like SLAM, I would feel a lot more confident."
"I just want to be able to talk to people and learn from them without arguments about everything. Maybe share views and such."
Here's What's Next with SLAM:
Ongoing SLAM meetings with founder Dr. Lori Watson
Ongoing Saturday SLAM Follow-Up Check-Ins with advisors
Student-created SLAM projects as AB/AR in action in HUSD
Next publication - April, 2021