Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Department of Education Priority Notice
Implicit Bias Registration .pdfNews from our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community Meeting
DEI Community Meeting(1).pdfThis is a recording of the DEI Community Meeting held on January 12th 2021.
Guest Speakers Include:
Deqa Dhalac, Department of Education Family Engagement and Cultural Responsiveness Specialist
Kellie Bailey, Department of Education Social Emotional Learning/Restorative Practice Specialist
Sarah Matari, RJP Practitioner, Program Manager, Institutional Implementation of Restorative Practices
Alexis Saba, Maine Youth Action Network, Program Manager, School Culture
Let's hear what participants were able to take away from this community night
"I learned there are other people like me who are interested in making the world a safer and better place"
"I was able to see there is a lot of support within our community and outside of our local community to make things better for us all."
"A sense of hope that our school department will address the concerns of the population that has felt and been 'othered' by the dominant culture. We need to lift up those in need of representation and teach those that are unaware of their implicit bias that it is harmful to others if it is never addressed."
"A great general understanding of DEI and what it means for our school communities"
"Having the guest speakers was very interesting. Thank you for providing a way for us to listen to them."
"I enjoyed seeing a variety of people representing a breadth of the district."
"I felt really proud to be part of a community that is taking this seriously, as evidenced by the great turnout at the meeting. It's hard to get people to participate in the evening and to have almost 30 people engaged is fantastic."
"I thought it was a good start."
"I see many open hearts and minds!"
"There is so much to learn. I wish the meeting could have lasted longer."
What is DEI?
Why should it matter to me?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion also know as DEI has gained a lot of meaning in recent months, however, it is something that has always existed. With todays climate we can no longer ignore each other and start to create a space for conversation and understanding. In order to better understand DEI, we need to break it down.
What is Diversity?
"Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs." Diversity is us, all of us, including both our outward and inward appearance, it is what makes us human.
What is Equity?
"Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups." It is making sure that individuals get their needs met in a way that will help them to be successful and have opportunities in the same way as everyone else.
What is inclusion?
"Inclusion means that all people, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or health care needs, have the right too: Be respected and appreciated as valuable members of their communities." It is a culture that exists where people feel like they are valued, appreciated and belong.
Can you reflect on these definitions and why they matter to you?
MVHS Diversity Club shares...
What can schools be doing to support this work?
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Maine Youth Action Network is "Based out of The Opportunity Alliance in Portland, Maine, MYAN is a statewide network of committed adults and passionate young people who believe in the transformative power of youth leadership. We value young people’s thoughts, voices, and solutions for creating more equitable communities and just systems. Young people’s passion is the vehicle for building leadership skills, resiliencies, positive relationships, and personal agency. These are the factors that help young people lead healthy and successful lives."
Interesting finds &
Resources
Vocabulary from “How to be Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
Racist: One who is supporting a racist policy through their actions or inaction or expressing a racist idea.
Antiracist: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea.
Assimilationist: one who is expressing the racist idea that a racial group is culturally or behaviorally inferior and is supporting cultural or behavioral enrichment programs to develop that racial group.
Segregationist: one who is expressing the racist idea that a permanently inferior racial group can never be developed and is supporting policy that segregates away that racial group.
Antiracist: one who is expressing the idea that racial groups are equals and none needs developing, and is supporting policy that reduces racial inequity