Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

What happens when a diverse group of parents and thought leaders reimagine K-12 education? How might we transform schools to look and feel more welcoming – and more meaningful – for today’s culturally diverse students? 

Fine arts coordinator Sarah Prindiville says the district’s “fine arts staff has been talking about representation for years. The resources we have are not representative of the students in our buildings.” 

Explore some local MLK day happenings.

Our Indian Education Department is hosting an annual winter storytelling event and we hope you can join us.

Students at Neill Elementary School in Crystal were asked to give a new kind of food a try, there was excitement in the school lunch line.

Each December, millions of people across the globe celebrate a holiday known as Kwanzaa. Created in 1966 by an African American professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga, the week-long African American and Pan-African holiday, is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

Each year on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day is observed. This was the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document outlines the rights of every individual, across the globe.

Dong Zhi (which means “Winter Arrives”) is the Chinese celebration of the winter solstice. Taking place six weeks before the Chinese New Year, the festival has its own significance for many.

On Dec. 1, 1955, the Montgomery Bus Boycott began. The 13-month mass protest began after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus.

Here are some resources to help you navigate important conversations with your student about racism.

Looking for some exhibits to visit over winter break? Check out these free cultural activities.

Robbinsdale Area Schools, one of the 11 members of Intermediate District 287, is participating in that district’s second “Year of Learning” – a different kind of racial equity training rooted firmly in physical responses to trauma. 

Radious Guess, diversity and inclusion director for Intermediate District 287, first worked with Minneapolis-based therapist, writer and speaker Resmaa Menakem in a previous job. She asked him to provide a keynote address to District 287 staff.

He ended up doing much more.

Robbinsdale Area Schools recently updated their process providing students the opportunity to list a preferred name and gender pronoun in their student record.

This month Community Education is sharing what really happened when members of the Wampanoag Nations encountered the Pilgrims.

Established in 1999, Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia, and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by transgender people.

Check our a local art exhibit, try some new cuisine and explore a new marketplace.

As a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange, and school districts are encouraged to celebrate global education and foster cross-cultural understanding.

This month's resources include a letter to families taking a look at how we discuss and celebrate Thanksgiving with students, as well as a link outlining the myths associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.

Matt Schneider, media specialist at Sonnesyn Elementary, shares these thoughts on the importance of books that reflect them and their cultures.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 through October 15.