Teachers Promote Anti-Racism at Del Norte
Teachers and staff are taking a stand against racism at Del Norte High School in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests and an ongoing fight for racial equality.
“They are valued, they are respected, they are safe, and they matter,” states Tasha Giffin, AP European History teacher and advisor to the anti-racism task force at Del Norte.
Giffin, along with many other teachers and staff, is working towards increasing cultural understanding between students and staff by diversifying curriculum to promote inclusivity and enforcing a strict discipline policy. These staff members are making an effort to attend workshops and educate themselves on how to best approach anti-racism. Their goal is to take a stand against racism and the marginalization of students of color.
By breaking down the Eurocentric view of history and introducing new cultural perspectives in her classes, Giffin is working to ensure her students learn the full story. Her lessons allow her students to understand the foundation of racist ideas and how they play a role in today’s society.
The level of care and detail Giffin puts into these lessons reflects admirable dedication to instilling values that will evoke change in the future.
“Educating students about the roots of racism, the historical civil rights movements in countries around the world, and brave figures that stood up for equality and freedom for all people is our key to a better future,” Giffin says. In order to create change, Giffin wants her students to first examine the root of the problem by fully understanding history.
Through their actions, Del Norte staff are trying to ensure a future where inclusivity, diversity, and anti-racism are a requirement rather than an expectation.
As Giffin puts it, “If we can create a culture where we value each other as equals, and we celebrate every person for their individuality, diversity, and unique gifts, those are the values this new generation will take with them. They will… change the culture of our nation one post, one step, one stand, one movement at a time.”