PRHS STUDENTS ATTEND CAL POLY’S SOCIAL JUSTICE TEACH-IN
Welcomed with donuts, merchandise, and coffee, were the 50 plus PRHS students who attended Cal Poly’s sixth annual Social Justice Teach In. The teach in consisted of a day long series of talks and workshops centered around equity and social justice designed to inform and inspire. Open to the public, attendees consisted of Cal Poly students, district officials, and even Paso board members. Complying with all mandatory COVID-19 requirements, students from Paso’s ethnic studies class, Ethnic Studies Field Study Collaborative program, and other clubs like A.C.T. and Mecha registered for virtual and in-person sessions beforehand.
“Overall, what was most impactful for me was to see all the different types of people who want to learn, support, and understand minority/ethnic groups that haven’t always been the spotlight. Being able to be a part of these events was amazing for me to get to know exactly how people are trying to make a difference,” senior Zaira Gomez said.
Presenters ranged from professors and students, to influential members of the community. Sharing their experiences of getting the ethnic studies class approved for PRHS, were panelists and teachers Geof Land, Alisa Bredensteiner, and Gaylene Ewing. Each session could be categorized into four topics: art and create efforts, equity-minded education, DEI and STEM, and self-care and community well-being.
“I went to the Activist Art Making which was my favorite overall. The teachers and Cal Poly students were all so helpful and really encouraged everyone to be as creative as possible. It felt great to be amongst students who are trying to send out the same messages of supporting artists of color, expanding diversity, and advocating for social justice,” Gomez said.