Photo thanks to Gabe Schaffer
Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Diversity Standing Committee of the PTA works with PTA leadership to ensure that all families and children feel welcome and respected, and have access to all opportunities. While people sometimes think of diversity as referring only to racial/ethnic diversity, the purpose of the committee goes beyond that to include diversity of age, socioeconomic position, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, political affiliation, disability, cultural heritage/traditions, skills/abilities, values and preferences... Equity Equity recognizes that some groups experience systematic discrimination that places them at a disadvantage. These groups may need "more" than groups that have had a history of advantages. Talking about equity can be hard--people may feel it's unfair. We believe practicing equity benefits all children and helps to make classrooms, schools, and communities the best they can be. For example, racial discrimination costs communities quite a bit of money. See resources below for thinking about the equity viewpoint. Equity is a district-wide priority. At RoxEl, we are building a dedicated fund to increase equity across elementary schools in the CHUH district. PTA funds donated to the equity fund will be spent addressing needs at all schools. Examples of expenditures include bringing in science speakers, creating an educational garden, buying a class set of a book… Consider making a donation to the equity fund. |
Committee meetings: Currently second Tuesday of every month, 6PM. Check the PTA calendar (see calendar page).
Want to contact us? Email roxeldiversity@gmail.com Want to get involved? Join our mailing list below! 
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Inclusion
Inclusion is about making everyone feel welcome and able to participate. Which groups are not well represented in a PTA, both in membership and practices? "Which groups are difficult to reach because of language, geography, cultural perspectives or religious differences, or have been resistant to a PTA membership invitation?" (from the PTA Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit, linked below). There are many barriers to participation and involvement. Inclusion simply asks that a PTA think about addressing these barriers. As part of our efforts to make every child, family, teacher, and staff member feel valued, we use the National PTAs "Every Child in Focus" calendar to post a monthly bulletin board highlighting different groups. Check out photos from the board!
Inclusion is about making everyone feel welcome and able to participate. Which groups are not well represented in a PTA, both in membership and practices? "Which groups are difficult to reach because of language, geography, cultural perspectives or religious differences, or have been resistant to a PTA membership invitation?" (from the PTA Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit, linked below). There are many barriers to participation and involvement. Inclusion simply asks that a PTA think about addressing these barriers. As part of our efforts to make every child, family, teacher, and staff member feel valued, we use the National PTAs "Every Child in Focus" calendar to post a monthly bulletin board highlighting different groups. Check out photos from the board!
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Resources*
National PTA: PTA Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit Diversity in children's books It can be hard to find books that represent different experiences but are not "token-y". There are many good lists online, here are two starting points:
Equity
*Please note that these resources don't reflect the views of the PTA, Roxboro, CH-UH or any individual. |
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A map of the elementary schools in our district
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A map of Cleveland Heights by racial/ethnic makeup.
This version shows % Black residents, with red being larger proportion Black residents. The same map can be viewed with percentage White, Latino/a, etc. Source and more info here.
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