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Borders, Belonging, and Brave Voices
Latinx, Race and Racism, Immigration, Middle School Rachel Charette Latinx, Race and Racism, Immigration, Middle School Rachel Charette

Borders, Belonging, and Brave Voices

In this lesson, students will either read some excerpts from Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez or the entire book, to examine the complexities of immigration, family separation, cultural identity, and friendship. Students will participate in thoughtful discussion, reflect on personal values and cultural backgrounds, and write a creative letter from the perspective of one of the characters.

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Beyond the Buzzwords: The Realities of DEI Implementation and Backlash
Race and Racism, Identity, DEI, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette Race and Racism, Identity, DEI, Middle School, High School Rachel Charette

Beyond the Buzzwords: The Realities of DEI Implementation and Backlash

The origins of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs date back to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, which increased efforts to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, color and national origin illegal. Over the next six decades, these programs and practices continue to grow and evolve to other developments and efforts. In the wake of Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements in the 2020s, the two Trump administrations have sought to eliminate DEI efforts and programs. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to explore the origins and history of DEI, understand the backlash against DEI principles and practices and express their perspective about DEI through an art or writing activity.

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