SWS - You are only invited if you’re Black

[Anonymous]

So … I get it. Black families have concerns that other races do not face. But the constant drumbeat of only focusing on one race at SWS is so off putting. The latest email from the school:

Dear SWS families,
As a part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity within our school, we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as Black and/or of African descent to the upcoming Black Family Social.

This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as Black and/or of African descent. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising Black children.

The bold appears in the email, in case you thought you might be invited as a white, Asian or Hispanic person. How is this “fostering inclusivity”?

[Anonymous]

That’s disgusting and shouldn’t be happening at any school receiving public funding. They

[Anonymous]

It’s legal until someone is willing to sue

[Anonymous]

Anonymo[b wrote:us]It’s legal until someone is willing to sue[/b]

It encourages exclusionary practices and is racisst

[Anonymous]

Let’s foster inclusivity by excluding everyone but us!

[Anonymous]

Don't care, not outraged, direct response BYY and FOR black parents at the school.

[Anonymous]

OP please show up to the event and tell them how excluded you feel.

[Anonymous]

Bullets struck a kindergarten classroom window in DC and this is what you're outraged by?

[Anonymous]

Are you upset that Black families got what they specifically requested?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymo[b wrote:us]It’s legal until someone is willing to sue[/b]

It encourages exclusionary practices and is racisst

Are you outraged by Girls Scouts or the Girls on the Run program?

[Anonymous]

This does sound strange, tbh. People who identify as Black and/or of African descent can be really different groups?? Do people of white South African descent count here?

[Anonymous]

This is a reflection of how white people and black people see "inclusion" differently. I don't actually know what the answer is, but I know enough from black friends and colleagues why that kind of event and phrasing is more meaningful in terms of making them feel included in a space that has historically been more white. Affinity groups and events are an important form of solidarity for folks who might otherwise feel out of place. It gives them opportunities to make connections with people from similar backgrounds, which can make it easier to navigate the community.

However, as a white person, I totally get why that's off-putting and I think my gut reaction to receiving would also be to feel excluded in a way that I would prefer not to associate with my child's school, specifically. I also suspect, based on my own experience at a different school post-Covid, that there are many white members of the community who may feel alienated and isolated for reasons other than race, and who crave opportunities to connect with other members of the community, but those opportunities have been few and far between in recent years. So part of my feeling may simply be jealousy because I could also use an affinity group like this, but there isn't one for "Families Experiencing Critical Mental Health Issues" or "Families With Poor Support Networks Outside the School Setting." And I'm too embarrassed to start one.

[Anonymous]

Why are you so angry that black families are coming together to support each other? Is this hurting your child? Do you feel like you are lacking support? I know it sounds snarky, but I'm asking seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a reflection of how white people and black people see "inclusion" differently. I don't actually know what the answer is, but I know enough from black friends and colleagues why that kind of event and phrasing is more meaningful in terms of making them feel included in a space that has historically been more white. Affinity groups and events are an important form of solidarity for folks who might otherwise feel out of place. It gives them opportunities to make connections with people from similar backgrounds, which can make it easier to navigate the community.

However, as a white person, I totally get why that's off-putting and I think my gut reaction to receiving would also be to feel excluded in a way that I would prefer not to associate with my child's school, specifically. I also suspect, based on my own experience at a different school post-Covid, that there are many white members of the community who may feel alienated and isolated for reasons other than race, and who crave opportunities to connect with other members of the community, but those opportunities have been few and far between in recent years. So part of my feeling may simply be jealousy because I could also use an affinity group like this, but there isn't one for "Families Experiencing Critical Mental Health Issues" or "Families With Poor Support Networks Outside the School Setting." And I'm too embarrassed to start one.

I'm a white parent of kids at SWS and couldn't give two hoots about this email beyond that I'm happy that the school is responding to known/voiced concerns from Black families over the years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you so angry that black families are coming together to support each other? Is this hurting your child? Do you feel like you are lacking support? I know it sounds snarky, but I'm asking seriously.

The issue is that they are claiming diversity and inclusion and excluding families by skin color. Are they doing something separate for the excluded families and saying those families who attended this cannot come?