Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Plan for Access and Success for All
Equity is the foundation framing every aspect of the educational system from curriculum adoption to professional development. With the vision of creating an educational environment where all students feel safe, valued, seen and heard, Oakwood Schools established its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force to lead the District in establishing a solid foundation around culture, curriculum, and community.
That foundation is The Plan for Access and Success for All.
Additional Information:
Task Force Introduction, Board of Education Dec. 14, 2020 Meeting
The Next Right Thing, June 1, 2021
Pride Month
"The uprising at the Stonewall Inn in June, 1969, sparked a liberation movement — a call to action that continues to inspire us to live up to our Nation’s promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all. Pride is a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity. This Pride Month, we recognize the valuable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice."
President Joe Biden
A Proclamation on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month,
June 1, 2021
In this edition of Just for Fun Story Time, Angelina Abbott reads Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart. The book reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe in a simple and engaging format for young readers.
Juneteenth National Independence Day
President Joe Biden signed legislation June 17, 2021 establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a U.S. federal holiday.
"I have to say to you, I've only been president for several months, but I think this will go down, for me, as one of the greatest honors I will have as president," Biden said at the White House during a signing ceremony.
Juneteenth marks the date some of the last enslaved people became free. On June 19, 1865 Union Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday is the first federal holiday established since 1983 when Martin Luther King Jr. Day became the 11th federal holiday recognized by the U.S. federal government.
Resources
With the help of Oakwood Schools' staff, we have compiled resources to help parents and students talk about topics related to equity, diversity and inclusion. There are read alouds, book lists, blogs, essays, podcasts and website links. We will continue to add to this resource section. You can also find additional information and resources on the Recognition and Resources page.
Read Alouds and Book Recommendations
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500+ Multicultural Children’s Books by Age & Ethnicity - Colours of Us
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By Any Means Necessary by Candice Montgomery - read aloud by Miss Jacqui, suitable for students in grades 9-12
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Enough! 20 Protestors Who Changed America by Emily Easton and The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet by Carmen Agra Deedy - two read alouds from Miss Jacqui
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I am Enough by Grace Byers, #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayorn - previous winner of Harman School 2nd Grade March Madness Tournament of Books -
Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome - read aloud by Miss Jacqui, suitable for students 8 - 12 years old
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Little People, Big Dreams Nelson Mandela - by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga - read aloud by Harman librarian Holly Food
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Say Something by Peter Reynolds - read aloud from Oakwood Preschool Teacher Joy Rogers
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Scholastic Story Time - information and read alouds from Miss Jacqui
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When Aidan Became a Brother - by Kyle Lukoff
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Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Elizabeth Acevedo, Mahogany L. Browne and Olivia Gatwood
For additional resources, visit our Recognition and Resources web page.
The Diverse BookFinder is a comprehensive collection of children's picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC). The American Association of School Librarians recognizes the site as one of its Best Digital Tools.
All Ages
2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners - arranged by age, from preschool to young adult. Awards are given to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
Children Need Diverse Books - Wright Memorial Public Library Children's Librarian Karen Mills helps parents build an inclusive bookshelves for their children
A Mighty Girl - a list of books on prejudice and discrimination that can be sorted by age and reading level
Elementary Reading Level
20 Picture Books for 2020
EmbraceRace was founded in early 2016 by two parents who set out to create community and gather resources they needed to meet the challenges they face raising children in a world where race matters. Here's their collection of 20 picture books.
Young Adult/Teen Reading Level
Ways to Make Sunshine - Renee Watson
Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind -- school, self-image and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she's got the talent that matters most: it's a talent that can't be seen, she's nice, not mean!
Their Eyes Were Watching God - for young adults. The book, first published in 1937, has become the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature.
Collection of Voices
A collection of blogs, podcasts, videos and articles for parents and educators looking for additional information
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2022 - 2027 5 Year Calendar of Major Jewish Holidays & Religious Observances - provided by the Jewish Relations Community Council
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A Class Divided - 1985 episode of the PBS series Frontline that profiles Iowa schoolteacher Jane Elliott and her class of third graders, who took part in an exercise about discrimination and prejudice in 1970 and reunited in the present day to recall the experience. A companion to the video can be found on YouTube
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Books Every Conservative Should Read - Young America's Foundation
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Cancel Culture Versus Parent Choice - Terry Ryan May 6, 2021
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Equity of Opportunity - U.S. Department of Education
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Let's Talk: How to Talk to Kids About Race - an online series about talking to kids about race, racism and cultural differences from PBS. Host Karen Tao sits down with parents to have lively conversations about race and racism and how these topics inform their family life.
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Talking Race with Young Children - 20-minute podcast from NPR
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Teaching Your Children About Race - a guide for parents and educators from Teaching for Change
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The common ground on race and education that’s hiding in plain sight -Michael J Petrilli May 27, 2021
The Oakwood Inclusion Coalition held its 2022 annual meting Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Visit the OIC's website for the annual report.
Oakwood Inclusion Coalition
Oct, 12, 2020, members of the Oakwood Schools' Board of Education approved a resolution showing support for the Oakwood Inclusion Coalition.
The OIC's mission is "To study, promote and celebrate an inclusive, equitable, diverse and welcoming environment and community for everyone who lives, works, visits or passes through Oakwood."