DEI Q2 2023-2024 Newsletter

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SPOTLIGHT: KOBIE GRIFFIN

Kobie Griffin is the new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Dorothy Hamm Middle School. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his 15-year career in education has been a blend of diverse experiences, just like a rich and flavorful gumbo. Mr. Griffin earned a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from Louisiana State University and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certification from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Kobie was a 2022 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalist. He has drawn upon his prior experience as a mathematics educator, team leader, sports coach, and mentor to establish connections with stakeholders, all in the pursuit of comprehensive and well-rounded development. Mr. Griffin is excited for the opportunity to cultivate an inclusive educational setting that empowers young people for both personal and academic advancement.

SPOTLIGHT: SEDRICK ROSS

Sedrick Ross is the new Title IX Coordinator for Arlington Public Schools. Sedrick is an experienced civil rights investigator and instructor who has enjoyed a career protecting the public’s right to access education and employment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination. Sedrick received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Social Science from Florida State University (FSU). Post-graduation, he developed a career in the civil rights field working with various civil rights governmental agencies including the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the City of Seattle Office for Civil Rights. Sedrick has spent the past several years working in Title IX, in both higher education and K-12 settings. Sedrick had the great opportunity to work for his alma mater, FSU, as a Title IX investigator where he expanded his passion for providing protection and education on civil rights to the next generation of leaders. Sedrick’s enthusiasm for civil rights investigations and enforcement eventually brought him to Northern Virginia, where he most recently served as the lead compliance investigator with Prince William County Schools. Sedrick is excited to bring experiences in his service to serve Arlington Public Schools as the Title IX Coordinator.

IMPORTANT DATES:

March is Women’s History Month – This is a time to highlight contributions that women have made in history and in society.
March 2 – Granting of U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans (1917)
March 8 – International Woman’s Day
March 10 – Harriet Tubman’s Birthday
March 10 – Ramadan
March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
March 24 – Purim
March 25 – Holi
March 31 – Easter

IN THE CLASSROOM:

Hate Speech “Any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate, or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, or national origin.” American Library Association

RAMADAN:

Evening of Sunday, March 10 – Evening of Wednesday, April 9, 2024
Ramadan is a month-long religious observance, during which Muslims worldwide refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Muslims will partake in self-reflection and improvement. Ramadan begins when the first crescent moon is sighted after the New Moon, falling in March this year. Ramadan ends when the crescent moon is first seen after the New Moon in April. After a full month of fasting the religious holiday Eid will occur during which families will get together and celebrate. Muslim students pray extra nightly prayers and participate in other religious practices throughout the day and night. We ask schools to make arrangements to ensure that Muslim students can observe Ramadan. Considerations include:- Establishing a place for students to pray during the school day and a quiet space during lunch- When possible, schedule exams early in the day when observants may have more energy.

PURIM:

Evening of Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24, 2024Purim is a minor Jewish holiday marked by lively and playful traditions. These traditions include a festive meal, gift giving, and dressing up in costume. The Purim celebration is based on a story described in the biblical Book of Esther.

WHAT WE ARE READING

Please use this link to share your thoughts on what we’re reading and offer suggestions to expand our library and collective knowledge. Mindfulness for Teachers Simple Skills for Peach and Productivity in the Classroom. – Patricia A. Jennings Our office’s professional library of resources – click here to access.

TERM OF THE MONTH

Bias – An inclination or predisposition for or against something. (American Psychological Association)