Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News

This year, Robbinsdale Area Schools debuted its new Equity in Education Series. The final event in this three-part series focuses on trauma and how it impacts students, staff and families based on their background and experiences. 

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May, and it recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

During a May 13 webinar, two Hmong women shared their experiences, endeavors and accomplishments during a candid question and answer session, which was offered through Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Education. 

Looking to get involved in the community? A Juneteenth celebration is taking place at Sanborn Park in Robbinsdale on Sunday, June 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. This is the first African American Freedom Day event in Robbinsdale. 

Indian Education is hosting a new guest speaker series. Guest Speaker Dr. Gabriela Spears-Rico will be discussing Indigenous from the Americas: Building Solidarity between Latinos and American Indian People. 

This is only our second issue of We R All In, Robbinsdale Area Schools’ diversity, equity and inclusion newsletter, but it’s also the final one before the end of the school year. The newsletter will be back in the fall when school begins again, and we’ll share the work that is happening in our schools, provide helpful resources and links for thought-provoking conversations, and highlight students and staff as they help move this work forward.

This month's resources include the anniversary of Brown V. the Board of Education, as well as links about a Community Reads event and Hennepin County Library resources.

Over the summer, students in Robbinsdale Area Schools will have a unique opportunity to remain connected to their education, but also their community thanks to a historical program being offered. Both programs will focus on enriching student literacy and knowledge retention over the summer to prevent learning loss, but also offer a unique opportunity to be immersed in the Freedom School curriculum and model.

In an effort to “stand in solidarity against racial injustice,” scholars across the district participated in a peaceful, student-led walkout April 19, joining their classmates from districts around the Twin Cities.

It’s Earth Week, and throughout the week, Robbinsdale’s Indian Education staff are presenting a series of events that delve into indigenous perspectives on our environment, and two more events are set for this Wednesday and Thursday.

The Minnesota Children’s Theater has produced an animated digital reading of Something Happened in Our Town, which follows two families -- one White, one Black -- as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. 

Students at Armstrong High School participated in a new and unique educational opportunity in February by creating a video series where students interviewed Black community leaders.

This past February, Robbinsdale’s American Indian Education Program began offering free Ojibwe language classes to district students, families and guests. The program wrapped up this month, and was so successful, organizers plan to bring it back next year.

Robbinsdale Area Schools’ April 22 Equity in Education event is being postponed as we monitor events impacting our community.

This month's resources include: April is International Heritage Month; details about an offering for high school students at the University of Minnesota called the Emerging Leaders of Color Program; and a handful of topical links to stories and resources.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is doing plenty of work in the realm of equity, diversity and inclusion. Our goal will be to share work that is happening in our schools, provide helpful resources and links for thought-provoking conversations and to highlight students and staff as they help move this work forward.