By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Bloomington-Normal’s division of Not in Our Town held a Not in Our School workshop at YWCA McLean County Thursday for local high school students.
Education committee co-chair Camille Taylor says most Twin Cities high schools have established a Not in Our School initiative.
“They came today hoping to get tools and resources, and to learn more about what Not in Our School is, so they could identify ways to make their school more safe and inclusive,” she said.
Taylor said students spent the day discussing stereotypes, diversity and watching videos of what other schools have done to be more inclusive.
“They need to know that they cannot be discounted,” said Taylor. “That just because their 11, 12, 13, on up to 17 or 18, that they don’t have the power, and the ability, to make a change and to be change agents.”
Normal Community High School senior Amari Funderburg said she intends to take some of what she learned today back to her school.
“Today, we just really learned a system that Diane Wolf was telling us about,” said Funderburg. “Say ‘yes’ to opportunities, work your system, and continue to stay focused on your goal.
“Our goal is to prevent discrimination in any aspect of the word.”
Taylor said they could have another workshop next semester to see what progress students have made.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
