Diversity of schools - can this work both ways? Am I being unreasonable?

[Anonymous]

This makes sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, this post got ugly fast.

Ugh from Capitol Hill.

Jefferson Academy: 0% Asian
Eliot-Hine: 0% Asian
Stuart Hobson: 0% Asian

The above is what's ugly.

They reject DCPS. It isn’t good enough for them. Not enough kids with weekends filled with extra curricular activities that mom picked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The issue isn't who qualifies for sympathy, it's what DCPS could do to incentivize far more in-boundary families to enroll in their by-right neighborhood middle schools.

If most local taxpayers/stakeholders want better discipline, a full complement of academically tracked subjects, advanced language offerings and flexibility on language learning etc. that's what they should get, if just because these are standard offerings in neighboring jurisdictions with similar demographics.

It's great for neighborhoods to have public middle schools that are popular with in-boundary parents. You disagree?

DCPS could always start by asking local families why they do or don't enroll in neighborhood middle schools. I've been on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years, we have several teenagers, and I've never been asked.

Omg what public school does this?! It’s public school, not private. Your entitlement is breathtaking. Appalling really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read all the replies and I'm sure there's interesting stuff in there.

But I'll say that there's actual research about this, a "tipping point" at which white parents feel comfortable sending their child to a school. It's 26% or so.

We were in one of the only majority white elementary schools in our city and then there was a rezoning which sent my white dominant neighborhood to a school that was over 90% Black. Oh boy, the weeping, the gnashing of teeth. You can't tell me subconscious (or conscious) bias isn't real when you see how people reacted to the news they might have to move from one highly regarded school one mile away to another highly regarded school one mile away. On the flip side, there were many people who said, look guys, let's not be ridiculous, this is the right thing to do . . . but I'd say about half of those people quietly slipped away to majority white spaces after talking the good talk. So in my daughter's class she was the only white girl (plus one white boy) that first year. This wasn't our first time in a scenario like this . . . she'd been to a birthday party where she was the only white child before. So my concern was minimal.

And at the end of the day I shouldn't have had any concern at all. We're now in year 3 and my kid is thriving and says it's even better than the old school. Of course there are all sorts of issues to grapple with like the role of the PTA (which is super white compared to the makeup of the school), how to become part of an established community without trying to change it, how to facilitate friendships outside of school, and how kindergarten and first grade are much whiter than the upper grades (about 35%) and we could eventually become like the school we left.

When we went to that birthday party when our kids were young where we were the only people who weren't Black, I had to really sit with myself and admit that I wasn't some unbiased exception to the rule. I had to recognize that people of color experience that dynamic all the time. And when you hear white people talk about sending their kids to a school where they'll possibly be the only white child and saying, "I don't want them to be a guinea pig," you have to be disgusted at the racism inherent in that statement. Something is only tried and true if white people have been there? WTAF?

I'm sure someone has recommended already, but I highly recommend the Nice White Parents podcast. Don't be those folks. But also, don't avoid a community that would welcome you out of fear. Just commit yourself to humility and an open heart.

Thank you so much for this perspective! If everyone shared it, our country and communities would be much healthier.

I too send my half-white kids to a majority minority school where they are thriving, and everything you say rings true (including the changing demographics in the younger years.) But my older sons class is 10 percent white, and he is happy at school, learning, has academic peers, has friends, feels known and liked by the staff, etc etc. He loves it there. And I think going to an elementary school that is not a majority white space is going to help counter the false feeling of white supremacy that is rotting away in our society.

Let me guess, your kids aren't half or full Asian. I was about the only Asian student in my majority minority, predominantly low SES ES in another city, where I was often called "chink." Kids would routinely pull on the corner of their eyes when I walked by, taunting me with the question "How can you see out of those little slit eyes?" I didn't love it there. When my parents finally complained to admins that I was being bullied, my tormentors upped their game. Every so often, they'd trip me in a hallway, shouting "Chink down!" This was the signal to form a circle around me to kick me as I struggled to get up. Things improved once I reached middle school, a majority white school. I thought the days of beating up East Asians were mostly behind us as a society until the pandemic came along.

DCPS schools without Asians? We certainly won't be the first to enroll and don't know other Asian immigrant families who would.

I'm the PP and actually, im south asian and my kids are half south asian. I'm so sorry for your experience and I know it was traumatizing. I grew up as the only non-white person in my elementary school and you know what? the racism i experienced was also horrifying and traumatic! it also got better in middle school, with the same kids, because I think that sort of racism is at its worst in elementary school. kids grow out of it a bit.

I am so thankful that my kids dont experience that. believe me, I am extremely alert to these things and I would know -- it is not happening. however, a friend whose kid is at an Upper NW mostly white school is being called "wonton." I vastly prefer the experience my kids are having, in school is truly diverse, with black, white, asian and latino kids all mixed together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue isn't who qualifies for sympathy, it's what DCPS could do to incentivize far more in-boundary families to enroll in their by-right neighborhood middle schools.

If most local taxpayers/stakeholders want better discipline, a full complement of academically tracked subjects, advanced language offerings and flexibility on language learning etc. that's what they should get, if just because these are standard offerings in neighboring jurisdictions with similar demographics.

It's great for neighborhoods to have public middle schools that are popular with in-boundary parents. You disagree?

DCPS could always start by asking local families why they do or don't enroll in neighborhood middle schools. I've been on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years, we have several teenagers, and I've never been asked.

Omg what public school does this?! It’s public school, not private. Your entitlement is breathtaking. Appalling really.

np: What’s wrong with expecting local public schools to meet the needs and desires of the taxpayers? Makes perfect sense to me.

Government of the people, by the people, for the people….

(And let’s not forget that DCPS actually does annual surveys, plus did a couple extra during pandemic time. It’s just that they ask cowardly leading, CYA questions rather than actually aiming to be accountable and successful.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The issue isn't who qualifies for sympathy, it's what DCPS could do to incentivize far more in-boundary families to enroll in their by-right neighborhood middle schools.

If most local taxpayers/stakeholders want better discipline, a full complement of academically tracked subjects, advanced language offerings and flexibility on language learning etc. that's what they should get, if just because these are standard offerings in neighboring jurisdictions with similar demographics.

It's great for neighborhoods to have public middle schools that are popular with in-boundary parents. You disagree?

DCPS could always start by asking local families why they do or don't enroll in neighborhood middle schools. I've been on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years, we have several teenagers, and I've never been asked.

Omg what public school does this?! It’s public school, not private. Your entitlement is breathtaking. Appalling really.

\

You're myopia is far more breathtaking. Of course big US cities benefit from running neighborhood schools that appeal to most local residents. Chicago figured that one out in the 80s. Dashing around to distant charters, stressing over winning school lotteries, isn't half as good. We have neighbors on Capitol Hill whose children commute more than 2 hours a day for DCI, via public transportation. These families say that if a strong DCPS Ward 6 middle school taught advanced Chinese, Spanish and French, they'd consider it. Meanwhile, my nephews in Arlington attend a public middle school (only 1/3 white students) that teaches half a dozen languages at an advanced level. Taxpayers deserve much better than or unchallenging middle schools East of Rock Creek, and chaotic, overcrowded Deal for that matter.

[Anonymous]

ooh a 'strong' school.

[Anonymous]

Ignore the airhead above. She thinks she's cute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I truly value a diverse environment for my children. I want them to interact with and befriend people from all walks of life - economically, perspective, experience, racially and ethnically. Diversity isn't a buzzword for me - I truly see the value in it, across a variety of contexts.

Is diversity really a value to you or do your just want a pat on the back from black, brown, queer, disabled and poor folks? Upper/middle class white people are always worried about their kids being “the only one” or “uncomfortable.” If you care about diversity, then let your kid experience what it has been like to be a Black or Brown or queer, disabled, fat or low income person in North American culture since it values whiteness, thinness, heterosexuality, physical dominance and wealth. Have them take the bus to school from 30 blocks away, try to be on time and not have anything for dinner for 3 days in a row, have them spend a week navigating the world in a wheel chair, fast for Eid, have them wait tables in an IHOP during the night shift in a working class neighborhood, let them hold hands with their same sex friend while in a Dairy Queen in a small, rural Southern town.

It takes innate courage, grit and joy to thrive and shine in a country when you are not be born part of the dominant white, straight, Judeo-Christian, able-bodied, middle class culture. It doesn’t matter what type of school your kid goes to- what matters is the kaleidoscope of experiences that form the fabric of their life. If their life is the MC/UMC path of school (even in a “diverse” school), pressure cooker academics, tutors, soccer/basketball/football or ballet/lacrosse/softball and college study abroad, then your kid’s worldview will be very small indeed. Good luck to your child on the journey-

[Anonymous]

There's already been a lot said. To answer the question in the subject, no. It doesn't work one way and it certainly doesn't work both ways. Making your kid an only is isolating. Kids need to have a sense of belonging. When they are different in all the ways, they marginalized, which affects their health.

True diversity is blissful. But DC has too much baggage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I truly value a diverse environment for my children. I want them to interact with and befriend people from all walks of life - economically, perspective, experience, racially and ethnically. Diversity isn't a buzzword for me - I truly see the value in it, across a variety of contexts.

Is diversity really a value to you or do your just want a pat on the back from black, brown, queer, disabled and poor folks? Upper/middle class white people are always worried about their kids being “the only one” or “uncomfortable.” If you care about diversity, then let your kid experience what it has been like to be a Black or Brown or queer, disabled, fat or low income person in North American culture since it values whiteness, thinness, heterosexuality, physical dominance and wealth. Have them take the bus to school from 30 blocks away, try to be on time and not have anything for dinner for 3 days in a row, have them spend a week navigating the world in a wheel chair, fast for Eid, have them wait tables in an IHOP during the night shift in a working class neighborhood, let them hold hands with their same sex friend while in a Dairy Queen in a small, rural Southern town.

It takes innate courage, grit and joy to thrive and shine in a country when you are not be born part of the dominant white, straight, Judeo-Christian, able-bodied, middle class culture. It doesn’t matter what type of school your kid goes to- what matters is the kaleidoscope of experiences that form the fabric of their life. If their life is the MC/UMC path of school (even in a “diverse” school), pressure cooker academics, tutors, soccer/basketball/football or ballet/lacrosse/softball and college study abroad, then your kid’s worldview will be very small indeed. Good luck to your child on the journey-

There is more to culture and diversity than enduring hardships--try building authentic friendships with people other than you and actively seek out and recognize what you admire about their culture--language, manners, music, food, habits, mores--see life through a different lens. It isn't just about drudgery and overcoming pain and obstacles. Also no one fasts on Eid 🙃

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I truly value a diverse environment for my children. I want them to interact with and befriend people from all walks of life - economically, perspective, experience, racially and ethnically. Diversity isn't a buzzword for me - I truly see the value in it, across a variety of contexts.

Is diversity really a value to you or do your just want a pat on the back from black, brown, queer, disabled and poor folks? Upper/middle class white people are always worried about their kids being “the only one” or “uncomfortable.” If you care about diversity, then let your kid experience what it has been like to be a Black or Brown or queer, disabled, fat or low income person in North American culture since it values whiteness, thinness, heterosexuality, physical dominance and wealth. Have them take the bus to school from 30 blocks away, try to be on time and not have anything for dinner for 3 days in a row, have them spend a week navigating the world in a wheel chair, fast for Eid, have them wait tables in an IHOP during the night shift in a working class neighborhood, let them hold hands with their same sex friend while in a Dairy Queen in a small, rural Southern town.

It takes innate courage, grit and joy to thrive and shine in a country when you are not be born part of the dominant white, straight, Judeo-Christian, able-bodied, middle class culture. It doesn’t matter what type of school your kid goes to- what matters is the kaleidoscope of experiences that form the fabric of their life. If their life is the MC/UMC path of school (even in a “diverse” school), pressure cooker academics, tutors, soccer/basketball/football or ballet/lacrosse/softball and college study abroad, then your kid’s worldview will be very small indeed. Good luck to your child on the journey-

You realize some wealthy, white people are queer, fat, and/or disabled, right? And some wealthy people are Black or brown?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, this post got ugly fast.

Ugh from Capitol Hill.

Jefferson Academy: 0% Asian
Eliot-Hine: 0% Asian
Stuart Hobson: 0% Asian

The above is what's ugly.

They reject DCPS. It isn’t good enough for them. Not enough kids with weekends filled with extra curricular activities that mom picked.

Asians actually care about schools. The PARCC scores for those schools are in the toilet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah I am from ex USSR and I find obsession with diversity quite ridiculous. Unless of course it’s a misnomer for a school that’s not completely non white.

I’m from the US and I find the anti-Semitism, homophobia, and appalling racism of most people in the former Soviet Union ridiculous, so I couldn’t possibly care less about your opinion about diversity. Sit down and STFU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The issue isn't who qualifies for sympathy, it's what DCPS could do to incentivize far more in-boundary families to enroll in their by-right neighborhood middle schools.

If most local taxpayers/stakeholders want better discipline, a full complement of academically tracked subjects, advanced language offerings and flexibility on language learning etc. that's what they should get, if just because these are standard offerings in neighboring jurisdictions with similar demographics.

It's great for neighborhoods to have public middle schools that are popular with in-boundary parents. You disagree?

DCPS could always start by asking local families why they do or don't enroll in neighborhood middle schools. I've been on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years, we have several teenagers, and I've never been asked.

DCPS serves the people who show up to attend. It’s not remotely their job to troll for people who might possibly attend if only the would bend over backward to implement a whole menu of very problematic changes.


I’m delighted that DCPS is doing none of this.

What I wish they WOULD do is figure out school discipline so that kids who disrupt classes or make schools unsafe are move to a more appropriate environment.