Parent Tips : Broadening DEIB
By Julie Stevens
The confirmation hearings for the first Black woman nominee for the Supreme Court were the backdrop for my work on this piece . I listened with the sense that , to borrow one pundit ’ s characterization , these proceedings would enter “ the realm of inconsequential theater .” While much of what Judge Jackson faced was more theater than substance , it was hardly inconsequential . Senators demanded to know her definition of a woman or if she thought babies could be racist . Some implied that her judicial philosophy might be compromised by her capacity for empathy , that she was “ soft ” on those who shared images of sexual abuse of children . One Senator seemed confused about the established rights of transgender people for equal protection under the law . Another even suggested Judge Jackson ’ s representation of a Guantanamo Bay detainee was reminiscent of defending Nazis at Nuremburg . Young people might conclude that in the Senate chambers , scoring the snarky sound bite outweighs basic civility . For me Judge Jackson ’ s confirmation affirmed her fitness to serve and underscored the urgency for parents and educators to support learning communities committed to equity — where all members believe that they rightfully belong , can participate on an equal footing , and will be treated with respect .
• Consider how your own anxieties — especially in relation to attempts to move toward greater equity in schools and the broader culture — may be depriving your child of essential life lessons . While all ages are coping with increased mental health concerns , a recent CDC study revealed that since well before the pandemic teenagers ’ levels of anxiety have risen disproportionately and across all demographics . In addition to pressures from overuse of social media and general global chaos , parents who unwittingly transfer their personal fears to their children contribute to kids ’ overall stress . This toxic anxiety is more prevalent in parents who are high-income and well-educated . The natural impulse to protect one ’ s child can backfire , robbing them of opportunities to tolerate discomfort and experience competence in facing challenge .
• Increase your awareness of the many educational and problem-solving advantages conferred by diversity / inclusivity . Building on Professor Katherine Phillips ’ work as reported in 2014 by Scientific American , the Wall Street Journal recently detailed how diversity / inclusivity provides a competitive edge over homogeneity by promoting greater innovation and productivity . Phillips noted that diversity “ jolts ” us out of complacency and “ into cognitive action .” Reaching consensus may be harder because we must ensure safety for all contributors , accommodate the perspectives of others , and more effectively communicate our own thinking — prerequisites for any classroom . As Princeton professor Shamus Khan points out , diverse institutions make better decisions and tend to be much more contentious . A pivot toward greater inclusivity likely won ’ t be painless , but it will result in better learning outcomes for all kids .
Page 32 Summer 2022 CSEE Connections