By Heart of Illinois
BLOOMINGTON – Local education leaders spoke out during a forum Thursday night about such hot-button issues like diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
The Bloomington-Normal Chapter of the NAACP hosted Thursday’s virtual conversation, with representatives from all levels of education in the Twin-Cities present.
Over the course of the more than hour-long discussion, moderator and organization vice president Carla Campbell-Jackson posed questions covering topics ranging from remote learning to integration of diversity in curriculum.
Many discussions highlighted how different organizations were working to make sure classes were maintaining diversity and inclusion as a priority.
In a more immediate sense, recent demonstrations across the country were addressed, and the greater call for social change along with them. Administrators pointed to how their respective institutions took the chance to hear their students out amid the social justice movement.
“This gave us the opportunity to say, ‘It’s not enough to just consider our intentions, but to start to really consider what are those outcomes, what are our students experiencing due to the policies, due to the curriculum,'” said Terrance Bond, Associate Director for Equity at Heartland Community College.
One of the underlying themes, however, was the need for unity.
“If we can create a diverse environment in each of our individual organizations and work together to do that, then it creates a community that’s inclusive,” said Rick Pierce with Heartland Community College.
As the forum drew to a close, participants looked to the future for how they could ensure safety and comfort for both students and staff – regardless of their backgrounds.
Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, Unit 5’s new superintendent, summed it up when talking about changes yet to come. “It’s not a one-and-done conversation, it’s an ongoing conversation.”
Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].
