Dear Colleagues,
“Are we going to talk about other forms of oppression other than racism?” asked a participant in a recent equity module. This question has come up often over the past few months as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) engages in the Antiracist Audit. The question led us to use this issue of EquityMatters! to explore the idea of intersectionality. In the quote above, Ariana DeBose makes a point to call out many different parts of her identity. Read on to explore why it is so important to understand the complexities and intersections of our students' identities.
Please also take time to read the articles and stories from our students and staff in celebration of Women’s History, Arab American Heritage, and Deaf History months. Finally, learn what our students want educators to know about Ramadan.
Respectfully,
Darwin, Daryl, Deanna, Edvin, Ericka, Joan, Maniya, Marya, Annie, and John
In this issue:
Intersectionality
Before we start diving into this topic, let's consider a couple of questions: What is intersectionality? After watching the video below, what questions are coming up for you? How does intersectionality connect to you as a staff member in MCPS? How do you hear and center the voices of marginalized students, staff, and families?
"Intersectionality, for me, is the complexities I hold in all the ways I identify myself."
Recently, I was in a dialogue with a department and someone asked: “Are we going to talk about other forms of oppression other than racism?” This is a question that comes up often and it may be something you are also wondering. Are we missing all other forms of oppression by only discussing race?
Intersectionality and the Antiracist System Audit
When we think about measures like the Antiracist System Audit, how should intersectionality be factored in when we think about how race interacts with sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism? Should all these combine in one audit or be separate? How do we do that?
These questions were asked back in 2020 by three students from Montgomery Blair High School to three former Student Members of the Board. Watch this powerful student interview.
Kimberlé Crenshaw on Intersectionality
"Professor Crenshaw coined the term and co-founded the African American Policy Forum. Before AAPF's 20th anniversary, Crenshaw reflects on where intersectionality is heading"
Dr. Joan's Gems
Women's History Month
The resources and information for March guide us to explore the depth and breadth of the countless incredible accomplishments of women of all cultures. The 2022 Women’s History month theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is indeed a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers, educators, and frontline workers during this ongoing COVID pandemic. It also recognizes the innumerable ways that women have provided both healing and hope throughout history.
Click here to read our Women's History Month edition from last year, filled with many resources and stories.
Celebrating Deaf History Month
Deaf History Month, April 1 through April 30, 2022, marks key events in deaf history dating back to the early 1800s. This time is celebrated to acknowledge the contributions of people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Currently, MCPS serves over 400 students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Take a look at these resources compiled by MCPS teachers.
Troy Kotsur Wins Oscar for Best Supporting Actor
Troy Kotsur, star of CODA, the Academy Award winner for Best Picture in 2022, is the first deaf man to ever receive the award. Watch his powerful speech in the video above.
CODA Wins Best Picture at the 94th Annual Academy Awards
Arab American Heritage Month
In April we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. This issue features teachers and a student who share their perspective of what it means to be Arab American.
What Learning to Speak Arabic in America Taught Me About Being Arab American
In this powerful essay, Staff Development Teacher, Amani M. Elkassabany, writes "While we were learning English at India Kaw Valley Elementary School in Lawrence, Kansas, my parents were making sure we still spoke Arabic at home. Along with lessons in Arabic pronunciation and vocabulary, learning to speak Arabic in America also taught me some important lessons about being Arab American."
Interview with Salma Tagnaoti, former student of Thomas S. Wootton High School
What Arab American Heritage Month Means to Me
"I came to the United States from my beautiful country Lebanon to join my husband in 1981, together we created a family with two precious children... What does Arab American Heritage Month mean to me, I am one of 3.5 million Arab Americans that reside in the USA, and one of approximately 10,950 in the Washington, D.C. vicinity. The Arabs' contributions to their communities are countless."
Religious and Cultural Commemorations
Muslim families across MCPS and the world will be observing Ramadan this year from Friday, April 1 through Sunday, May 1. We asked students at White Oak Middle School to tell us what they would like their teachers to know about Ramadan. Also, take a look at the resources developed by MCPS teachers Manal Agabein and Farhana Shah about Ramadan and the meaning of fasting.
- Hear from White Oak Middle School students
- Information and resources about Ramadan
- Video from BrainPop
Let us know how you commemorate these holidays and please send resources for holidays and celebrations that are missing from the calendar.
Resources Just for You
The Equity Matters Dialogue is a space for engagement on race and culture. The dialogue will not only be an opportunity to reflect on current events in society, but more importantly what this thinking means for our personal and professional practice. This dialogue is for all levels of MCPS staff and is a one time offering. Here's information on our upcoming dialogue on Discipline Disparities: Myths and Facts:
Why Are Black and Brown students disciplined more than other student groups?
“Either Black boys are genetically and intellectually predisposed to negative outcomes or educators - and society - have failed miserably in engaging them.” - Dr. Daryl Howard
Racial disparities in experiences for our students are prevalent across many areas. In this dialogue, we will explore what is fact and what is fiction and how we change the predictability of these outcomes.
- Register in PDO: Course #91044
- Sections #129981 and #129984
- April 20, 2022 and April 27, 2022
- Time: 5:00-6:45 p.m.
Free Online Learning from the National Equity Project
The NEP has long been a great resource for the Equity Initiatives Unit (EIU) to engage in deepening our work to support the district. They have several great webinars available for free.
Equity Initiatives Unit Professional Development Library
Borrow a book from the EIU Professional Development Collection. This is a lending library to support your equity journey. Just click on the link below, sign in with your MCPS login, click on collections, and then hit Equity Unit - Professional Development Collection.
Past Editions of EquityMatters!
Equity Impact Questions
These equity impact questions provide a systematic examination of how different racial and ethnic groups will likely be affected by a proposed action or decision. Use these questions as you are enacting new policies, initiatives, practices, and as part of the evaluation process to ensure equitable outcomes for all students, families, and staff. Deep equity work takes place when we are proactive in our approach.
The EIU hopes this issue sparks discussion and actions, and that you feel supported knowing we are shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the struggle.
Contact the EIU if you don't find what you need.