WSESU Diversity/Equity Committee minutes—November 3, 2010
Present: Scott Tabachnick, Ron Stahley, David Schoales, Stuart Strothman, Nancy Johnston, Mikaela Simms, Carole Rayl, Karen Saunders, Cami Elliot, Absent: EES
Minutes of November 3 approved, with amendments—name added, changed spelling, date.
Presentation on bias in curriculum by Karen and Mikaela. Began with Maniac Magee. Historical discussion of books on race from white perspectives—The Cay, Tom Sawyer, Maniac Magee. Shallow view of racism in Magee—presented as a “if we all just got to know each other we’d see past race.” However, it has no historical context, and an uneven set of racial slurs—more for white than black—and it is dangerous if taught by a teacher who does not have a deep understanding of race. The understanding of race in the book seems to come from a well-meaning, ignorant, 1950s, white perspective. Research suggests this book does not have a good effect on racial understanding, when taught with/to mixed cultural groups of kids.
Reviewed matrix for screening books for biases. We used Encounter by Jane Yolen as an example, and analyzed it using the matrix. We found that the images were problematic—Columbus depicted as a ghoul, ships as monsters. From an indigenous perspective, the fact that they would not listen to the child in the story was problematic—people feel the children would have been heard. Also, it seems the natives must be foolish for the evils of the whites are so obvious in the illustrations. There’s a sense of blaming the victim—the text suggests that the islanders gave up their own culture willingly. The images show the islanders as if they have masks, sitting in unusual ways. It is very difficult to develop this critical eye, but very important.
Discussed what books are good to use. To some extent we need to be aware of what the group of students needs in terms of equity awareness before making a purchase of a class set of books. Starting with picture books is good to build awareness.
Both the matrix for reviewing books (with one editorial change), as well as a suggested list for good books, will be on our website within a week.
Reviewed action plan for district. Suggested we have a data day to review YRBS data etc, and add the climate survey into that. PRIDE only being taught at Guilford. Suggested we change “No Bystanders” to “Active Bystanding,” and add a line about collaboration with the Youth Assets program.
Next month Mary will present on the inclusion dilemma.
We will seek another meeting space to accommodate us better. Also, Scott will bring copies of things, so we don’t have to.
Submitted by Stuart Strothman