Why Kids of Color in Suburbia Need Adult Diversity Champions

FACT: When children feel safe, valued, and connected at school, they will thrive. We cannot deny that there is a need for social and emotional support for students of color in predominantly white schools. Many Black, Brown, and Native students are continually experiencing oppression within our walls, they don’t feel safe or supported in a suburban environment despite advertised school district positive statistics. Parents and community members are expressing the need for a system of support within their local school district. A support that is district-wide and within every school to reach every student so that all students feel safe, valued, and respected for who they are, especially students of color. As our equity work moves forward we must begin addressing students of color social and their emotional needs. Without addressing these specific needs, students will continue to feel isolated, disengaged, and feel unwelcome.