As many of you know, the Hillcrest Elementary PTA has an active Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Not quite two years old, we’ve focused much of our energy and activity on the Equity piece of our work. We host a monthly discussion group to tackle issues like systemic racism and cultural appropriation; have formed a student advisory board to develop student leadership skills and to help identify equity issues in our school and community; and we work to provide the Hillcrest community with relevant training opportunities (Bystander Intervention, Leveraging Privilege, etc.).
We’re proud of what we’ve done so far, but it’s time to explore the Diversity and Inclusion mantles of our group more deeply. This is a problem, because our committee doesn’t include enough diversity. With a handful of exceptions, the work we do is driven by white women. A quick glance at our student population will tell you that is not a representative sample. We are committed to ensuring an equitable experience for our entire school community, but we need more windows into that community.
What issues are important to our students and families? What languages are spoken in Hillcrest’s hallways? What cultural traditions or holidays should we be aware of? What can we do to better serve our school?
We are always happy to welcome any new members to our committee. As we begin to prepare for the next school year, we’d especially love to become a committee whose active members are more reflective of the school we serve, and more in touch with its entire community.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, joining our team, or offering feedback or insight, please email hesequity@gmail.com.