Seattle Schools Community Forum: In How We Talk about Race and Equity

Seattle Schools Community Forum: In How We Talk about Race and Equity

In How We Talk about Race and Equity

As some of you may know, I have had issues with a small cabal of people who think that loud namecalling and hyperbole can change the landscape around race and equity in this district (state, nation).

Here's the problem with that - it will not work.

The reason I say that with confidence is because as I have seen through the years, many people shrink back from any kind of talk they feel is aggressive.  I think some of it is the sensibility of any given person who prefers a more civil or engaging way of talking about issues. Some of it is a dislike of hearing talk about tough issues in a blunt manner.

(And note to everyone - don't even try to engage.  It will not work, they will not listen.  They seem to hang out at the SPS Community Discussion and Resource Exchange Facebook page. It's a sad thing because that Facebook page in question does sometimes have good information/discussion. But let a couple of these people go at it like whirling dervishes and see people leave in droves.)

Make no mistake, there will be tough talk around race and equity and it will be uncomfortable.  But it does not have to demean and tear down.  It doesn't have CONTINUE READING: Seattle Schools Community Forum: In How We Talk about Race and Equity