A year ago in June of 2019, the LSR7 school board decided in a 6-1 vote to fund district wide equity training for teachers and staff.  This happened after controversy throughout the district, including threats, that led to the resignation of former superintendent Dennis Carpenter.  Recently a video has been spread on social media where recent alumnae of Lee’s Summit High School mock the death of George Floyd.  This insensitivity makes it apparent that in addition to the equity training taking place for the teachers and staff, the students of LSR7 would benefit from additional resources in the schools that address multicultural awareness and racism.  

Racism and racial bias are issues that must be addressed from years K-12.  Healthychildren.org, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, states that “as early as 6 months, a baby’s brain can notice race-based differences, by ages 2 to 4 children can internalize racial bias, and by age 12, many children become set in their beliefs” (Talking To Children About Racial Bias).  Adding resources on multicultural awareness and racism to our LSR7 schools has the potential to make minority students feel more comfortable in their schools, and to make white students address their own racial biases and racist attitudes so that they may be more empathetic and respectful towards their peers.  

There are many changes that could be made to make sure our Lee’s Summit schools address the racial biases and systemic racism in our community and our world in an effective and educational way.  Here are some ideas:

• Adjust the history and english curriculum to add focus and perspective on racism.   There is no reason why LSR7’s history and english curriculum can’t be adjusted to educate its students on systemic racism, considering how entwined themes of race and justice are with American history and literature. Racism has always been present in our country starting with the founding of the United States of America, continuing throughout American history, and is still present. Racism can be addressed when teaching any period of American and world history.  The English curriculum could also stand to add more reading by black authors.  LSR7 has committed to making well-rounded citizens by adding US and MO constitution tests and community service to the graduation requirements.  Changes to curriculum that address racism would only help our schools to further this mission.
• Provide additional funding and support to clubs like Harmony Council and the Black Student Union, so they can expand and hold more events that uplift minority student voices.  These groups have done fantastic work so far, holding events like African American Read-Ins, Black Empowerment Symposiums, Movie Screenings, and more.  The Lee’s Summit community is very supportive of clubs and activities in its schools, by extending its generosity to these clubs it could help create awareness for issues surrounding racism.
• Have student-centered symposiums or assemblies during the school day to provide communication between students and staff on topics like empathy and multicultural awareness.  It is important for students to be heard by their educators.  These events should happen somewhat frequently, and should include all LSR7 students and staff from levels K-12, but could be divided by grade-level so that appropriate subject matter based on age can be discussed.  

LSR7 is a great school district that has continuously worked to improve the quality of education that its students receive.  With this petition we hope to convince the school board to make changes that will only further that level of education by adding resources that will help our community to address racism and create multicultural awareness.

Works Cited

Anderson, Ashaunta, and Jacqueline Dougé. “Talking to Children About Racial Bias.” HealthyChildren.org, 29 July 2019, www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Racial-Bias.aspx

Additional Resources

Lee’s Summit School Board Reverses Course, Will Pay For District-Wide Equity Training: https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article231732613.html

What The Lee’s Summit School Superintendent Hopes His Staff Learn From Diversity Training: https://www.kcur.org/show/up-to-date/2019-06-30/what-the-lees-summit-school-superintendent-hopes-his-staff-learn-from-diversity-training

Resources For Talking About Race, Racism, And Racialized Violence With Kids: https://centerracialjustice.org/resources/resources-for-talking-about-race-racism-and-racialized-violence-with-kids/

A list of children’s books for talking about race with young children: http://www.raceconscious.org/childrens-books/