Equity Work Continues At North Babylon High School

Press release from North Babylon School District:

February 8, 2021

In continuation of the North Babylon School District’s focus on equity, North Babylon High School recently held a virtual discussion on the book, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You,” by Jason Reynolds. In addition, 10th grade social studies students welcomed a special visitor into their classrooms to discuss the history of racism in the United States.

On Feb. 3, students and teachers alike met virtually to discuss common themes found in the first chapters of Reynolds’ novel: segregation, antiracism and assimilation. Readers learned how the connotation behind each of those terms can often vary significantly depending upon different perspectives and cultures. “It depends on the lens you’re viewing it from,” Director of Social Studies Krystle Barnett said.

Teachers urged their students to raise the bar of awareness and to be an upstander. “We need you. We need your thoughts. We need your voice,” Director of Science Jachan Watkis said. “The work is never truly done. We have to keep pressing on.”

On Feb. 4, 10th grade students attended a virtual assembly on the history of racism in the United States, led by Tiffany Brown, CEO and founder of TWB Elite Consulting LLC.

Students watched several discriminatory scenarios and discussed how they would have responded had they been present. Additionally, students gained a better understanding of how empathy, compassion and even sharing common characteristics, such as tattoos or a love of reading, can help unite people of different cultures and bring about a better world.

This press release was produced by North Babylon School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.