Intersectionality in GR: Race & Education Advancements
The reports are out, the results are in - after much debate over Glen Ridge’s academic diversity rates, the “Olive Branch Educators” report of the school’s educational staff diversity has been published.
Essentially the report confirmed much of what we already knew. The school proved they were aware of the racism, as represented quotes from staff are, “I think we could definitely use training in this area, I think it would be very helpful to have it come from an outside group rather than from within”. Students, as we knew, also well aware, mentioned, I would really appreciate it if people in my school were educated on slurs because I’ve seen the n-word, f-slur, and many other inappropriate words thrown around regularly, I’ve even had some of my peers call me the c-slur multiple times, but I didn’t acknowledge it was wrong at the time”.
It’s no surprise both students and staff are well aware of the injustices both racially and simply within conduct, yet the report offers more. They, once again, echo our concerns in stating, “We are well aware that the district is operating under an extremely serious pandemic. However, SB1569 was signed into law in Jan. 2019. I am not aware of any effort on the district's behalf to implement this law.”. Furthermore, the report actually states, “The administration of the Glen Ridge Public School community should be commended for providing an opportunity to ask difficult questions and for avoiding a defensive posture as they work to understand the perspectives of their varied constituencies”, in which the report asks for praise for doing a job they were hired to do. In fact the report acts as a somewhat “defense” as they refer to it. In asking for a pat-on-the-back for simply doing their job to offer a fair and equitable education - a birth right - they shall be commended.
Through the report one thing is made clear: everyone is aware of the issue and everyone is aware of the inactivity. The “Olive Branch” report was a designated report, and strictly that. A collection of, “opinions, experiences, perspectives, and recommendations of those who opted to participate” - let us not forget. The idea that the report is simply an amalgamation of the sentiment spread throughout, as the report states itself, parents, teachers, and students, of the well-known injustice going on in this town at this point comes off despicable.
The “recommendations” or “next-steps” are what seemingly everyone sought in the report. The suggestions, while appreciated, are somewhat “tentative”, and though the future of the school in terms of race and education are unclear - one thing is acknowledged: whether the gusto in which it is being made, there is an effort. Yet there were hopes for an uptick, change moves slowly.
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