Diversity in demographics isn’t enough if all the students in the school don’t have the same opportunities. Do we possess the superficial markers of diversity without actually embracing and honoring that diversity? Have we built authentic community with all our students and families? Do all the people in the building have the same opportunities to share their voice, perspective, and experiences?
Diversity in the Christian School: Retention Is About the Environment You Create
The old adage “if you build it, they will come” is often used to justify the creation of new and exciting diversity programs. However, in an environment where Christian families of color often have options when it comes to private education, the question to ask is not only “will they come?” but “will they stay?”.
Diversity in the Christian School: Cultivate a Diverse and Inclusive School Culture
As Christian schools, we should strive for both diversity and inclusion. Unfortunately, all too often we just work for assimilation, which can lead to suppression of culture.
Diversity in the Christian School: Are All Your Students Feeling Seen?
One wonders how often a student who sits in our classroom feels like the Samaritan woman—sitting on the outskirts, walking our halls unobserved, or saying nothing in class. Maybe one reason these students fly under the radar is because they don’t see people like them in the curriculum. The authors read, the stories covered, the individuals featured in our current texts are all important, but how often do they reflect the culture of our students or the diversity God created in students of our respective countries?
Diversity in the Christian School: A Cultural Examen of the School Handbook
We understand that dress codes are supposed to inspire uniformity. But for black students, uniformity too often translates to conformity, to whiteness.
Diversity in the Christian School: Creating Inclusive Chapels
We want to be a community that glorifies God at our school and beyond by the way we interact with diverse people and ideas. Chapel is a great time to celebrate as a corporate body the contributions that varied cultures have made to our country and community.
Diversity in the Christian School: The Need for Emotional and Social Learning
During this time of diversity discussions and activism, social and emotional skills are needed more than ever. These hard conversations require the capacity to listen well, to feel and express compassion, to speak with authenticity, to confess and forgive, and to imagine ways forward.
Diversity in the Christian Schools: Nurturing Students in a Year Like None Other
COVID-19 and this year’s civil rights movement have planted seeds in all of our students, and God has given us an opportunity to nurture the seedlings that they may bear good fruit. With such a momentous occasion at hand, it behooves us to prepare our hearts and minds to respond well from day one.
Diversity in the Christian School: An Introduction
When I think about sanctification, the term used to signify being set apart or to be made holy, I am equally excited, grateful, and impatient. No one expects me to be perfect, yet it is something that I long for–being free of sin, guilt, shame. I also know that sanctification comes at a cost. The process isn’t easy; in fact, … Read More
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in America
Recent events have opened up important conversations surrounding race and social inequality in America. What should Christian educators be doing right now?
For starters, Michael Chen is sharing an open letter, which you are invited to sign, and a panel conversation, which you are invited to view.