by Jason Franklin, Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Have you ever wondered why we have so many diversity activities at Cary Academy?
Have you wondered why we offer so many programs and initiatives designed to foster student and community growth?
Well, I want to give you an inside view of why diversity and inclusion nests at the forefront of our learning and our approach to building community.
Silent Sam monument at UNC-Chapel Hill, taken in 1913
This week, I had the good fortune of participating on a six-member panel for Dr. McElreath’s US History class. We were asked to critique the presentation skills and critical responses. The panelists were assigned mock memberships of state and federal congresses with opposing interests and viewpoints. The students showed the panel a glimpse of a democracy at its finest.
First, let me tell you about what they were presenting. The Upper School students had to present viable outcomes that supported keeping confederate statues, or they had to present outcomes that removed those same confederate statues. The students were placed into three groups and their recommendations varied from one extreme to the other. They presented information based on research using digital visuals to support their approach. Each group had to collaborate using their talents to compose the presentations.
But check this out. What really impressed me about the entire exercise is that each group took their stance seriously whether they believed in that stance or not. These students were willing to engage in honest sincere dialog across difference. I could not help but be envious of their classroom experience with Dr. McElreath in the 11th or 12th grade. This is not to say that his class is the only one, because we have these kinds of experiences throughout the entire middle and upper schools- even beyond the school walls. We are not afraid to ask the tough questions in our classes, affinity groups, or community discussions; even if the solutions are not attainable- yet.
Wow, I wonder what would happen if the adults across the nation had this kind of experience. Imagine what new possibilities that could germinate and flourish.
