Bellevue Schools Kicks Off Racial Equity Speaker Series

BELLEVUE, WA - The Bellevue School District kicks of its racial equity speaker series on Monday, the first of five seminars planned through June. The talks will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the district office building at 12111 Northeast 1st St.

Here's the full lineup and a description of each speaker from Bellevue schools:

Jan. 14
Speaker: Andrea Paull
Session Title: What’s Race Got To Do With It?
Session Description: Through a simulation/experiential activity, workshop participants will explore the impact of race and racism and how it shapes our local neighborhoods and communities. Participants will discuss how policies and economic disparities can influence housing and resources communities have access to. Participants will further examine how race serves as a predictor in educational outcomes.

Feb. 4
Speaker: Tracy Gill
Session Title: Ethnic Studies in Seattle Public Schools. What is is. What it isn’t.
Session Description: Learn how Ethnic Studies became a board goal in Seattle Public Schools, how our community defined the program, and how educator leaders are creating curricula and supports.

March 5
Speaker: Alejandra Perez
Session Title: Undocumented and Underserved: Learning how to best support undocumented students
Session Description: Over 11.5 million undocumented people reside in the United States, with uncertainty of their safety and future. Undocumented students and families live in fear of deportations and are often unable to access community services and education resources. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn from undocumented folks the history of undocumented students, current events, and legislation, and how immigration intersects with education. This session will also provide specific tools that can be used in schools and the community to be active and respectful allies in the undocumented movement. After this workshop, participants will have the skills to improve their support and engagement with undocumented students and families.

April 15
Speaker: Troy Osaki
Session Title: Why Picasso Would Support A Protest Sign In One Hand & A Paintbrush In The Other
Session Description: This session will cover why it’s important to incorporate art representation of people from different backgrounds and how to do so. It’ll have two main focuses: (1) what the difference is between traditional art and cultural work (aka revolutionary art) and (2) what the roles of educators are in promoting cultural work. The session will also include a list of resources educators can use to carry out work of incorporating art representative of all people.

June 4
TBA

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