A plea for racial sensitivity training in District 150

There is just way too much pearl clutching going on in District 150 these days. As I have previously posted, it is my belief that many District 150 teachers have some problems understanding "black culture" and are sorely in need of racial sensitivity training.

It saddens me that in 2010 the word diversity is still relevant in Peoria. However, racial sensitivity training could be instrumental in closing the achievement gap between students of different races.

It is unfortunate that the discrimination lawsuit that the teachers have brought against District 150 did not request racial sensitivity training as part of their settlement. The lawsuit indicates that such training is needed. When Benassi handled the Mitsubishi lawsuit, on going racial sensitivity training was a part of the settlement. I am curuious as to why training was not requested in this instance?

Many teachers come from communities where there is very little diversity or interaction with people of different backgrounds. I have seen some student teachers who appear to be left speechless, as if they have never spoken with a black parent before. Their only conversation is for you to question them, at which time, you find out they are from some little town called Avon or whatever.

The Board of Education can and should be proactive in this matter. They don't have to wait until racial sensitivity training is demanded in a lawsuit - they could and should institute such training within District 150 NOW. We all know we need it.

Critical Issue - Educating Teachers for Diversity

As the student population in American schools becomes increasingly diverse, educators must respond with school reform efforts that meet the needs of all students. They must develop culturally sensitive curricula that integrate multicultural viewpoints and histories, apply instructional strategies that encourage all students to achieve, and review school and district policies related to educational equity. Teacher education programs in particular are responsible for preparing future teachers to promote meaningful, engaged learning for all students, regardless of their race, gender, ethnic heritage, or cultural background.

Read the entire article here.

It's really sad when people should know better...

Today, the Journal Star Editorial Board stopped just short of calling statements made by a local attorney what they are – race baiting. When you know the facts to be this:

… but you have a respected member of the community making statements like this:


... this, my people is race baiting.

I am personally offended by the comment and in my opinion, the teacher's attorney owes the black community and the Peoria community as a whole an apology. To date, the story in which the statement was made has garnered a voluminous number of online responses - more than any story in Journal Star memory. Disappointing.

Reverse discrimination does happen, however, it is unfortunate that the teachers who are alleging racial discrimination against District 150 are only suing for a monetary remedy, rather than the hope for change and better understanding within District 150.

As I read through comments from teachers and their supporters on local blogs, it is evident to me teachers and administrators within District 150 are in grave need of racial sensitivity training. This demand for training should have been a part of their lawsuit.

There appears to be some misunderstanding by teachers about exactly what “black culture” is. Black culture is not a bunch of angry, disrespectful kids with their pants hanging down – that is “hip hop culture”. Look around, the “hip hop culture” is embraced by youth black, white and otherwise. It is not particular to black children.

Black culture is a culture that is rich in history, family, philanthropy, the arts and citizenship. (See the Obama's, the Heritage Ensemble, Preston Jackson, EmergePeoria, Annie Jo Gordon) Apparently, the local teachers union has become confused about the pride many of us still take in our culture, because they are attempting to make a mockery of it on a regular basis. Look at the lawsuit, what are the teachers complaining about? Be they right or wrong, they are issues that are based around culture.

In my opinion, it is black parents who should be suing District 150 for their massive failure to educate our children. Can we get an attorney in Peoria to take that case?