The VIEW from above 10

In response to emails received this week regarding DKG’s stand on discrimination, violence, and injustice, the following statement and information are offered…

As an international organization, it is difficult to address specific and particular issues, such as the protests currently sweeping the United States and spilling over into Europe without disrespecting the global perspective such an organization must maintain with all countries its membership represents. As educators what we do in our classrooms and in our communities can affect the changes our society needs. We do this first by educating ourselves and acting on that education. We also do this by teaching students to be fair, to respect others, to avoid bullying, and to seek peaceful means of resolving conflicts. How chapters acknowledge justice for all sets a powerful tone for the Society, too. Discussions, programs, projects, activities, and day-to-day modeling of unbiased acceptance of all people provides a starting point. During these times and all times, we must stand together and move forward with value and respect for all.

While DKG members surely stand in solidarity against any form of oppression and injustice, we can also encourage our members at this and any other time to reflect on the broad meaning of the Diversity & Inclusivity Statement adopted by our International Administrative Board last year:  “All educators who identify as women may be invited to membership.” Our eligibility requirements of membership limit invitations to educators who identify as women, and the honor of membership limits our invitations to those deemed to reflect excellence. However, DKG values the lives and worth of all people regardless of race, culture, age, ethnicity, religion, or any other potential cause for discrimination.  

To that end, many of the scheduled 2020 DKG International Convention presentations addressed diversity, equity, and inclusion. The issues facing us today are systemic and can only be eradicated through education about bias and learning how to overcome those biases. Take advantage of the following presentations now scheduled during our 2020 DKG Virtual Event, July 7-10:

July 8, 2020/12:15 p.m. CDT: “Relationships: The Key to Building a Positive Learning Culture” (workshop)

July 8, 2020 /2:00 p.m. CDT: “Eight Elements for an Inclusive Organization” (workshop)

July 9, 2020/12:15 p.m. CDT: “The 6 Decisions to Overcome Institutionalized Racism Using Science and Innovative Thinking,” Olympia LePoint, 2020 Eunah Temple Holden Fund Speaker

July 9, 2020/1:30 p.m. CDT: Forum Event: “Embracing Diversity”

Perhaps we would do well to work to fulfill the words Dr. Martin Luther King spoke in 1967, “[W]e may be able to emerge from the bleak and desolate midnight of man’s inhumanity to man, into the bright and glittering daybreak of freedom and justice.”  It’s a goal worth setting and one to address now.

Comments (cathyd@dkg.org)