Start. Start Small. Start Small Today.
Over the summer, the majority of “Black@” accounts shared similar stories from students and alumni. From single gender schools to all gender, from east to west coast and all regions in between, there was striking similarity with many of the shared marginalized experiences because our school systems are entrenched in white supremacy, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, and other -isms and phobias. This moment highlights the need for us to make systemic, structural, and environmental shifts. There is a real need to expand our curriculum to include more voices, so that all students can see themselves reflected and can learn about experiences different their own. Our schedules need more time for community building and equity learning and practice. Our adults in the community need to grow their capacities to support all students. Our budgets need to grow to provide the financial support for these endeavors and more.
Start. Start small. Start small today.
While all that and more needs to be done to create and sustain an equitable community, we can start with some small and meaningful changes.
Call your students and your colleagues by the right name and use their correct pronouns.
If you don’t know their name or forget their name, then ask. The hurt inflicted by calling someone the wrong name outweighs the brief moment of embarrassment at forgetting their name.
If you mispronounce their name, ask how to say if correctly and practice it on your own. Do not ask if they have a nickname or give them one.
If you misgender them, self-correct. Own your mistake and move on. Any explanation given by you centers you and your needs in that moment and erodes any trust.
What other small behavior changes can be done to develop trust and belonging? Leave your ideas in the comments.
