Alameda PTAC's Diversity and Inclusion Position Statement

Post date: Jan 30, 2017 11:37:22 PM

Alameda PTA Council

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Alameda Schools

Following recent incidents of hateful graffiti and bullying in Alameda schools and neighborhoods, the Alameda PTA Council hereby affirms our commitment to supporting inclusive, welcoming environments in all of our schools. As part of this affirmation, we pledge to:

• • Work together as a council—and within our respective school communities—to identify and address instances of prejudice based upon socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, language ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, physical or mental abilities, or any other factors.

  • Support the presence and participation of immigrant families in our school communities, and work with our schools and AUSD leaders to ensure that all children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, maintain access to a quality education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health services.

  • Collaborate with leaders of other stakeholder groups in Alameda, including (but not limited to) Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), the Alameda Education Association (AEA), Alameda Education Foundation (AEF), Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB), and other bodies, with a goal to find common solutions.

  • Support and collaborate with the Alameda Unified School District’s equity roundtables (LGBTQ; Black Achievers Alliance; and Alcance Latino Achievers), ASPED Families, and Alameda All Faiths Coalition to promote safe, inclusive environments for Alameda students, including supporting the goals of the “Everyone Belongs Here” campaign.

  • Sponsor and/or produce programming and materials to build awareness among parents about issues related to bullying, harassment, and teasing.

  • Gather and share ideas for how PTA units in Alameda can achieve higher rates of representation of underrepresented families in planning and executing PTA-sponsored activities, and encourage that all PTA activities at each school be planned by a committee that is representative of the population.

  • Sponsor programming and disseminate educational materials, including lists of school and social service resources, to help families and teachers address issues of bias, prejudice, and misunderstanding within their respective communities.

• Work with other PTA councils and units across the region to share ideas, best practices, and behaviors.