MCPS is spamming me - Anti Racist audit survey

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This and many other DCUM threads is exactly why the anti-racism audit survey is needed. It takes a lot of privilege to complain about how much getting those emails bother you compared to other constant pieces of communication MCPS send out when 1) you can delete them and 2) there are probably people from all backgrounds who are craving the chance to speak honestly about their experiences. Look at how popular the "Black at B-CC" "Black at Whitman" accounts were - we can't support equity and diversity unless we create accountability, which was the main theme of those posts ("nothing was done to help me in that situation" or "I'm not doing well because I don't feel genuinely affirmed in this environment and I spend more time here than at home in the course of a typical week"). Think deep down about exactly why those emails bother y'all and other ones don't - for once, you aren't centered, it rightly calls into question your daily experiences/habits, and for once, people who have been undermined are getting what they deserve. It is individuals with mindsets like yours who are going to hurt our county's rep - just because you're liberal or "progressive", doesn't mean you express that selectively or not support causes such as this.

Thanks for calling this out, PP. This thread has been really embarrassing.

No problem. This is why diversity is needed at the table, to add these dimensions to the argument, even when people will gaslight you for it. They're so bold on DCUM but they won't say it in public. I'm a B-CC alum from a while back, and there are still a lot of things that happened to me there that I'm unpacking today. Whenever I'm at school in another region, people automatically see Bethesda/CC/Potomac as "the place where Kavanaugh is from" and a place that isn't very welcoming, and they'll fairly or unfairly see me as a reflection of that. It's about our reputation and legacy at this point, which I want to be positive. Our kids rely on us to set the tone. Our schools are our crown gem when it comes to attracting the best talent, attracting business, etc. Overall, though, I remain optimistic that changes will be made. I know that though DCUM says one thing, the vast majority of families support this - we don't just cater to one powerful subset in one area. I believe in the things that bring us together and being one county, but I also believe in doing what's necessary and common sense, not what's easy. I hope that these efforts will ensure we live up to the basic premise that ALL KIDS belong, because if one group isn't served well when most people are, then what's the point.

Side note (skip if you'd like): From this step, I hope that the boundaries get analyzed and changed as well. Am I saying send Springbrook kids to Whitman? No. I'm saying that if a school like Einstein is usually underutilized (it's growing now), and a town like Kensington is divided a specific way where the two clusters are next to each other, maybe some of the B-CC people move to balance it out. If you don't like it, well guess what? It's public education, and the system/BOE reserves the right to change the lines at anytime. A big reason why these events and mindsets are prevalent are because of the huge disparity between Black and majority peers at many W schools. At B-CC, for example, most Black students (not all) come from the Silver Spring side, so when someone sees that you hold that identity, you're targeted or automatically stereotyped or you'll be less likely to "fit in" because people in your wealthy, White friend group may judge their friends for talking to you. Having more people from those subgroups would hold people accountable, show that BIPOC, etc. aren't a monolith, and it probably would have made my experience way better. It'd make them more proud to be from where they are, and at this developmental stage for an adolescent, pride and self-worth is crucial. Bottomline: much needed change is happening, and if you're scared you have three options: lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Lots of words. Have you started on the survey? It doesn't seem to make much sense.

I have, actually. And is it long? Yes, but one part literally said "skip if you'd like". it's what I experienced and if you actually read it and deciphered it, you'd see that it makes a lot of sense. Not quite sure about what this comment achieves. You tried, though, that's cute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This and many other DCUM threads is exactly why the anti-racism audit survey is needed. It takes a lot of privilege to complain about how much getting those emails bother you compared to other constant pieces of communication MCPS send out when 1) you can delete them and 2) there are probably people from all backgrounds who are craving the chance to speak honestly about their experiences. Look at how popular the "Black at B-CC" "Black at Whitman" accounts were - we can't support equity and diversity unless we create accountability, which was the main theme of those posts ("nothing was done to help me in that situation" or "I'm not doing well because I don't feel genuinely affirmed in this environment and I spend more time here than at home in the course of a typical week"). Think deep down about exactly why those emails bother y'all and other ones don't - for once, you aren't centered, it rightly calls into question your daily experiences/habits, and for once, people who have been undermined are getting what they deserve. It is individuals with mindsets like yours who are going to hurt our county's rep - just because you're liberal or "progressive", doesn't mean you express that selectively or not support causes such as this.

Thanks for calling this out, PP. This thread has been really embarrassing.

I completely agree with you, and even tried to answer the survey questions, BUT they're asking me about things of which I have 0 knowledge and can't honestly answer or provide any meaningful insight. I don't personally attend MCPS and my kids are too young to provide this information. I agree racism is an issue, but I don't think this survey will do much of anything to help combat these problems.

I see where you're coming from, but we have to start somewhere, and they're using this as a way to get on the ground perspective. It's OK to acknowledge that you have no knowledge of it, because as long as you made a solid effort, that's fine because every answer/data point helps. There's no way that MCPS can just remove mass amounts of people from the list because it grows so big, so they just follow the default. Also, re the "my kids are too young" argument, studies show that kids start having racial preferences ingrained in them from the time they're 2 years old, I believe. Parents of color have to teach their kids about racism almost from the minute they come out of the womb - they have no choice as to the timing of it.

That's a shame, but still my 5 year old won't have meaningful insights into these weighty matters and asking them risks doing more harm than good. MCPS needs to find a better way to get this information than polling 5r year olds.

The students' survey was only for grades 4 and up.

As I posted above, I can't answer these questions since I don't personally attend MCPS and will need to get input from my child that does who is 5.

Agree, I can't honestly discuss what goes on at the school with any certainty and need to ask my kids. I'm all for improving equity and addressing systemic racism but this survey seems a bit misguided.

What alternative course of action do you recommend? I mean, the questions here aren't leading and people can answer some while declining others.

[Anonymous]

The survey comes in 7 languages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This and many other DCUM threads is exactly why the anti-racism audit survey is needed. It takes a lot of privilege to complain about how much getting those emails bother you compared to other constant pieces of communication MCPS send out when 1) you can delete them and 2) there are probably people from all backgrounds who are craving the chance to speak honestly about their experiences. Look at how popular the "Black at B-CC" "Black at Whitman" accounts were - we can't support equity and diversity unless we create accountability, which was the main theme of those posts ("nothing was done to help me in that situation" or "I'm not doing well because I don't feel genuinely affirmed in this environment and I spend more time here than at home in the course of a typical week"). Think deep down about exactly why those emails bother y'all and other ones don't - for once, you aren't centered, it rightly calls into question your daily experiences/habits, and for once, people who have been undermined are getting what they deserve. It is individuals with mindsets like yours who are going to hurt our county's rep - just because you're liberal or "progressive", doesn't mean you express that selectively or not support causes such as this.

Thanks for calling this out, PP. This thread has been really embarrassing.

No problem. This is why diversity is needed at the table, to add these dimensions to the argument, even when people will gaslight you for it. They're so bold on DCUM but they won't say it in public. I'm a B-CC alum from a while back, and there are still a lot of things that happened to me there that I'm unpacking today. Whenever I'm at school in another region, people automatically see Bethesda/CC/Potomac as "the place where Kavanaugh is from" and a place that isn't very welcoming, and they'll fairly or unfairly see me as a reflection of that. It's about our reputation and legacy at this point, which I want to be positive. Our kids rely on us to set the tone. Our schools are our crown gem when it comes to attracting the best talent, attracting business, etc. Overall, though, I remain optimistic that changes will be made. I know that though DCUM says one thing, the vast majority of families support this - we don't just cater to one powerful subset in one area. I believe in the things that bring us together and being one county, but I also believe in doing what's necessary and common sense, not what's easy. I hope that these efforts will ensure we live up to the basic premise that ALL KIDS belong, because if one group isn't served well when most people are, then what's the point.

Side note (skip if you'd like): From this step, I hope that the boundaries get analyzed and changed as well. Am I saying send Springbrook kids to Whitman? No. I'm saying that if a school like Einstein is usually underutilized (it's growing now), and a town like Kensington is divided a specific way where the two clusters are next to each other, maybe some of the B-CC people move to balance it out. If you don't like it, well guess what? It's public education, and the system/BOE reserves the right to change the lines at anytime. A big reason why these events and mindsets are prevalent are because of the huge disparity between Black and majority peers at many W schools. At B-CC, for example, most Black students (not all) come from the Silver Spring side, so when someone sees that you hold that identity, you're targeted or automatically stereotyped or you'll be less likely to "fit in" because people in your wealthy, White friend group may judge their friends for talking to you. Having more people from those subgroups would hold people accountable, show that BIPOC, etc. aren't a monolith, and it probably would have made my experience way better. It'd make them more proud to be from where they are, and at this developmental stage for an adolescent, pride and self-worth is crucial. Bottomline: much needed change is happening, and if you're scared you have three options: lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Lots of words. Have you started on the survey? It doesn't seem to make much sense.

I have, actually. And is it long? Yes, but one part literally said "skip if you'd like". it's what I experienced and if you actually read it and deciphered it, you'd see that it makes a lot of sense. Not quite sure about what this comment achieves. You tried, though, that's cute.

Thank you for your approval, kind sir/madam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This and many other DCUM threads is exactly why the anti-racism audit survey is needed. It takes a lot of privilege to complain about how much getting those emails bother you compared to other constant pieces of communication MCPS send out when 1) you can delete them and 2) there are probably people from all backgrounds who are craving the chance to speak honestly about their experiences. Look at how popular the "Black at B-CC" "Black at Whitman" accounts were - we can't support equity and diversity unless we create accountability, which was the main theme of those posts ("nothing was done to help me in that situation" or "I'm not doing well because I don't feel genuinely affirmed in this environment and I spend more time here than at home in the course of a typical week"). Think deep down about exactly why those emails bother y'all and other ones don't - for once, you aren't centered, it rightly calls into question your daily experiences/habits, and for once, people who have been undermined are getting what they deserve. It is individuals with mindsets like yours who are going to hurt our county's rep - just because you're liberal or "progressive", doesn't mean you express that selectively or not support causes such as this.

Thanks for calling this out, PP. This thread has been really embarrassing.

I completely agree with you, and even tried to answer the survey questions, BUT they're asking me about things of which I have 0 knowledge and can't honestly answer or provide any meaningful insight. I don't personally attend MCPS and my kids are too young to provide this information. I agree racism is an issue, but I don't think this survey will do much of anything to help combat these problems.

I see where you're coming from, but we have to start somewhere, and they're using this as a way to get on the ground perspective. It's OK to acknowledge that you have no knowledge of it, because as long as you made a solid effort, that's fine because every answer/data point helps. There's no way that MCPS can just remove mass amounts of people from the list because it grows so big, so they just follow the default. Also, re the "my kids are too young" argument, studies show that kids start having racial preferences ingrained in them from the time they're 2 years old, I believe. Parents of color have to teach their kids about racism almost from the minute they come out of the womb - they have no choice as to the timing of it.

Parents who are not of color also need to teach their children specifically. Humans are programmed from caveman days that different is bad, and it will pop out of a 3 year old's mouth that so-and-so is dark or brown or has different hair. This is not because parents are racist. It is important to explain these differences in a positive light if you really want an anti-racist baby. A lot of people who are not of color don't think to do this. Yes, privilege.

The simplest way to get around this is to be around a lot of people who don't look like you. I'm not sure why you're complicating it, or thinking there's some magic "of color" button that makes all people "of color" look the same to the pink skins. The term itself is offensive as hell, to be honest. It reminds me of drinking fountains and the fifties and my southern Grandma who used "colored" to describe her neighbors whose black ancestry was more recent than hers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This and many other DCUM threads is exactly why the anti-racism audit survey is needed. It takes a lot of privilege to complain about how much getting those emails bother you compared to other constant pieces of communication MCPS send out when 1) you can delete them and 2) there are probably people from all backgrounds who are craving the chance to speak honestly about their experiences. Look at how popular the "Black at B-CC" "Black at Whitman" accounts were - we can't support equity and diversity unless we create accountability, which was the main theme of those posts ("nothing was done to help me in that situation" or "I'm not doing well because I don't feel genuinely affirmed in this environment and I spend more time here than at home in the course of a typical week"). Think deep down about exactly why those emails bother y'all and other ones don't - for once, you aren't centered, it rightly calls into question your daily experiences/habits, and for once, people who have been undermined are getting what they deserve. It is individuals with mindsets like yours who are going to hurt our county's rep - just because you're liberal or "progressive", doesn't mean you express that selectively or not support causes such as this.

Thanks for calling this out, PP. This thread has been really embarrassing.

I completely agree with you, and even tried to answer the survey questions, BUT they're asking me about things of which I have 0 knowledge and can't honestly answer or provide any meaningful insight. I don't personally attend MCPS and my kids are too young to provide this information. I agree racism is an issue, but I don't think this survey will do much of anything to help combat these problems.

I see where you're coming from, but we have to start somewhere, and they're using this as a way to get on the ground perspective. It's OK to acknowledge that you have no knowledge of it, because as long as you made a solid effort, that's fine because every answer/data point helps. There's no way that MCPS can just remove mass amounts of people from the list because it grows so big, so they just follow the default. Also, re the "my kids are too young" argument, studies show that kids start having racial preferences ingrained in them from the time they're 2 years old, I believe. Parents of color have to teach their kids about racism almost from the minute they come out of the womb - they have no choice as to the timing of it.

Parents who are not of color also need to teach their children specifically. Humans are programmed from caveman days that different is bad, and it will pop out of a 3 year old's mouth that so-and-so is dark or brown or has different hair. This is not because parents are racist. It is important to explain these differences in a positive light if you really want an anti-racist baby. A lot of people who are not of color don't think to do this. Yes, privilege.

The simplest way to get around this is to be around a lot of people who don't look like you. I'm not sure why you're complicating it, or thinking there's some magic "of color" button that makes all people "of color" look the same to the pink skins. The term itself is offensive as hell, to be honest. It reminds me of drinking fountains and the fifties and my southern Grandma who used "colored" to describe her neighbors whose black ancestry was more recent than hers.

+1 I think that ALL parents should teach their children to be accepting of all sorts of differences children have. Differences go far beyond race.

How does your child treat students with disabilities? Students whose first language is not English? LGTBQ students or students who have LGBTQ parents or siblings? Other students who dress differently or have different religious beliefs? What about another student who is sitting alone at a lunch table?

Kindness and acceptance of all students are qualities ALL parents should teach their children.

[Anonymous]

I have ignored this thread for a while because it sounded dramatic. But today I have had it. My daily spam request just came through and I’m so sick of it! Why do they need to spam us?

On top of it all, it is a poorly designed survey where you can clearly see they’re fishing for only a single answer. I wish that reporter, Caitlin Peetz would write something up about how people are sick of being spammed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have ignored this thread for a while because it sounded dramatic. But today I have had it. My daily spam request just came through and I’m so sick of it! Why do they need to spam us?

On top of it all, it is a poorly designed survey where you can clearly see they’re fishing for only a single answer. I wish that reporter, Caitlin Peetz would write something up about how people are sick of being spammed.

It's in your spam....

[Anonymous]

By whom was the survey designed - a person, committee, external company?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By whom was the survey designed - a person, committee, external company?

MCPS hired the Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium and paid about $450K for the bid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have ignored this thread for a while because it sounded dramatic. But today I have had it. My daily spam request just came through and I’m so sick of it! Why do they need to spam us?

On top of it all, it is a poorly designed survey where you can clearly see they’re fishing for only a single answer. I wish that reporter, Caitlin Peetz would write something up about how people are sick of being spammed.

Yeah I've taken the survey and am still getting emails about it. I agree it's poorly designed, and clearly written by someone who was not aware of pandemic restrictions on parents in MCPS schools. I have never been in the library or my kid's classroom, and how would I know they're being taught in a way sensitive to our culture?

[Anonymous]

Same here. I got text messages and emails today again — way too many. It seemed so obvious the survey was designed to come out with a very specific outcome. What books do they have in the library? I’ve not been able to set foot in the school. MCPS values my culture & ethnicity? How do I answer that? I’m white. The only historical figures my kid has learned about in the first few years of ES are Rosa Parks, MLK Jr, Thurgood Marshall & Harriet Tubman. I think MCPS is failing because of its incompetence and bureaucracy. This survey is just one example. They need to address learning loss and poorly run schools. NOW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:By whom was the survey designed - a person, committee, external company?

MCPS hired the Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium and paid about $450K for the bid.

RIDICULOUS.

They could have used every penny of that money towards something that would actually benefit students (more staff, more teachers) versus BS that is only benefitting the Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium.

Taxpayers should be livid.

[Anonymous]

Every time I get the email, I fill it out again. I give different answers every time depending on how I feel that day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every time I get the email, I fill it out again. I give different answers every time depending on how I feel that day.

Wouldn't this skew the results when they tally up and cohort the answers? The way messages are sent, there seems to be no controls in place. Garbage in = Garbage out