They say everyone is equal, but are we? It’s quite the opposite, actually. Discrimination occurs due to a variety of reasons, including ethnicity, financial background, and sex.
Reports of discrimination are common in workplaces. But schools are also not exempt from this issue. Lucas Barquin, news editor of The Hawk Eye, says that schools should be a safe place for students. But schools are now battling a beast, and that is racist bullying.
Students of Colerain High School hung racist signs over water fountains. Those signs said “Whites only” and “Blacks only.” This might read like news from the 1960s, but sadly, this happened in 2022.
These types of events may adversely affect students. Their overall well-being can be affected aside from academic performance.
Addressing these issues isn’t just about acknowledging differences. It’s focused on taking proactive steps to ensure fairness and foster an atmosphere where all students can succeed. Below are some actionable strategies to embed diversity into your school’s culture.
#1 Celebrate Cultural Heritage Days
The United States is a nation rich in cultural variety. The kids in your school do not come from the same culture, and you need to understand that.
Just like you celebrate Native American Heritage Day, you can recognize other cultural heritages in your institution. Some examples are Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.
Dedicate a day each month to a different culture. Students can proudly share their traditions, from food and music to clothing and dance. That would be like taking a mini world tour without leaving the school.
When a classmate brings in a dish from their culture or performs a traditional dance, it opens the door to conversations about what makes each culture unique. Those students will experience a deeper bond with their heritage, while others have the opportunity to understand and value the abundant diversity in their surroundings.
#2 Hire Diversely
Don’t just hire Americans in your school. Give educators and staff from other backgrounds a chance as well. It’s not merely about staffing roles; it’s about fostering a learning atmosphere where diverse viewpoints flourish.
Wouldn’t it be inspiring and affirming for students to see teachers who look like them or come from similar cultural backgrounds?
Research shows that White is the most common ethnicity of teachers. The U.S. has about 68.8% White teachers. Latino or Hispanico, with 12.9%, are a close second. That is followed by Black or African Americans, who account for 10.1% of teachers.
If you make an effort to diversify your hiring practice, you can contribute to a more inclusive environment where all students can see themselves represented. Students will encounter diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching their overall education.
Widening your recruitment efforts will help you diversify your hiring process. Reach out to communities and networks that might be underrepresented in your current staff. Don’t just focus on the candidates’ qualifications during the interview. Focus on how they can contribute to a culturally rich environment.
#3 Diversify the Curriculum
Ask yourself, whose voices echo in classrooms? That is, whose stories do teachers narrate to the students?
Teaching materials, especially in social sciences and humanities, often lean heavily toward White, Western, male, or middle-class narratives. Students won’t learn a thing about other cultures if you stick to age-old teaching materials.
Weave a variety of cultural perspectives, stories, and voices into the lessons students learn every day. Students’ knowledge will broaden and that will help them understand and appreciate the diversity around them.
Hire a curriculum specialist. They can evaluate and enrich your educational content such that it reflects a wide range of cultures and experiences.
Look for those with a Doctor of Education degree. According to Marymount University, this degree equips individuals with the knowledge to drive positive change and greater outcomes in schools and other public and private organizations.
Even those who pursue a Doctor of Education online can transform your school’s curriculum into one that educates while fostering a deeper understanding of our multicultural world.
In many cases, curriculum specialists collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure proper student learning outcomes.
#4 Address Inequality
A recent AsAmNews feature revealed how a Chinese girl was bullied after she enrolled in a new, majority-White middle school. Her classmates made her feel like an outsider, commenting negatively on her lunchbox and appearance.
Many students in schools are singled out because of their ethnicity, nationality, or even gender.
Work towards creating an inclusive environment in your school to guarantee that all students are treated equally and fairly. Don’t just limit the topic to words or writing. Take practical steps—use language that promotes positivity, and respond immediately if anyone makes an inappropriate comment. Implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies, as well.
In a nutshell, initiating a conversation about diversity can be hard. But addressing deeply ingrained biases is important to foster a more inclusive environment. Small, meaningful changes such as those discussed above can help you lay the foundation for a richer, more inclusive learning experience. Rest assured that you will be able to make a significant impact in creating a space where all students feel seen and valued.
