# data[].attributes.body
As a POC and a teacher, I must stand in solidarity with Black and Indigenous communities and do right by them.  WSC has entrenched its divide-and-conquer method of control in many of us, to make us fear repercussions for speaking out, believing in our superiority over other BIPOC people, that we have "made it" -- whether it refers to a college education, professional job, property, or some status that we hold at work.

If we value those things more than speaking truth to power, then we are racist.  We can in fact be worse than the white oppressors we have internalized.

"The true focus of revolutionary change is never merely the oppressive situations which we seek to escape, but that piece of the oppressor which is planted deep within each of us, and which knows only the oppressors' tactics, the oppressors' relationships" -- Audre Lorde

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Anti-racist training like this one can't be a one-off performative gesture, it must be part of an ongoing program that not only revisits the theme but pushes school communities to come up with goals and ways to evaluate progress.  I remember when SMART goals were all the rage and we painstakingly had to come up with and submit departmental goals.  We should be doing that with anti-racism as well.  To not do so is performative.

Police has no place in schools.  There has to be a collective reckoning with the racist and violent history of policing in this country that continues to today.  As teachers we may or may not have witnessed problems involving police in schools.  But it's not about what we know, anti-racist and trauma-informed practice requires us to see the world through different perspectives -- those of IBPOC students and communities.  Students come from families, and families are products of history that form society at large -- many students come to school with traumatic experience and memories already etched in their young lives.  WSC tells us to ignore and sideline those experiences, by choosing to not see them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Student Liaison Officers in schools.  Reluctance of the Board to immediately suspend the program pending review.  When students say they don't feel safe, it needs to be addressed at all levels, and immediate action needs to be taken.   The importance of not hurting the feelings of an adult  should not take precedence over the safety of our students.  The amount of work that the BIPOC community has had to put in to be heard at  Board meetings, and the fact that they have to do this work and still get no action is the epitome of white supremacy culture.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Student Liaison Officers in schools.  Reluctance of the Board to immediately suspend the program pending review.  When students say they don't feel safe, it needs to be addressed at all levels, and immediate action needs to be taken.   The importance of not hurting the feelings of an adult  should not take precedence over the safety of our students.  The amount of work that the BIPOC community has had to put in to be heard at  Board meetings, and the fact that they have to do this work and still get no action is the epitome of white supremacy culture.  

# data[].attributes.headline
TRUopen learning course on pre-confederation Canadian history (horrible title, the course addresses this). If it's been more than a few years since you did this pre-req for teaching, I highly recommend doing it again- perhaps as an audit. 

# data[].attributes.subject
TRUopen learning course on pre-confederation Canadian history (horrible title, the course addresses this). If it's been more than a few years since you did this pre-req for teaching, I highly recommend doing it again- perhaps as an audit. 

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https://www.edx.org/course/reconciliation-through-indigenous-education UBCx course. not currently available, but very valuable when it does cycle through again.

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https://www.edx.org/course/reconciliation-through-indigenous-education UBCx course. not currently available, but very valuable when it does cycle through again.

# data[].attributes.headline
FNESC teaching resources. (First Nations Education Steering Committee). Residential School teachings, Indian Act teachings, Cross-Curricular approaches. Elementary and High school. 

# data[].attributes.subject
FNESC teaching resources. (First Nations Education Steering Committee). Residential School teachings, Indian Act teachings, Cross-Curricular approaches. Elementary and High school. 

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for today.

# data[].attributes.body
Leanne betasamosake Simpson. Dancing on our Turtle’s Back. Phenomenal. Should be the basis for Canada’s next constitution!

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Yes, big brother and sister is watching. But what’s your point? We are bigger, and anti-Racism’s time is now. So let’s speak and build a serious public education for the present and future. Together. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Yes, big brother and sister is watching. But what’s your point? We are bigger, and anti-Racism’s time is now. So let’s speak and build a serious public education for the present and future. Together. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I would like to write something here, but is big brother watching.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would like to write something here, but is big brother watching.

# data[].attributes.body
mvaldecant@vsb.bc.ca

# data[].attributes.headline
A few examples of what my own children experienced, their teachers said in class:

# data[].attributes.subject
A few examples of what my own children experienced, their teachers said in class:

# data[].attributes.body
"the Natives are getting restless" and "typically first nations students don't graduate, ________ aren't you first nations??"

# data[].attributes.headline
Where are the Sacred Rooms that were envisioned in all our schools ? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where are the Sacred Rooms that were envisioned in all our schools ? 

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These should be central, open, welcoming, staffed and supported as a priority !

# data[].attributes.body
egibbs@vsb bc.ca

# data[].attributes.headline
Where and when will the rubber hit the road ? We know all this needs to be done. When will we be given the time and space to do it ? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Where and when will the rubber hit the road ? We know all this needs to be done. When will we be given the time and space to do it ? 

# data[].attributes.body
WSC is embedded and systemic at both the local and provincial level. For real, lasting change to happen there must be honest, open and respectful conversation AND action to ensure that the necessary investment in ALL our youth is enhanced. Indigenous students and POC need and want much more time for all of us to spend making deep change happen.

# data[].attributes.headline
When we are punished for speaking up about things that are wrong. 

# data[].attributes.subject
When we are punished for speaking up about things that are wrong. 

# data[].attributes.body
Lack of curiosity. Assumptions from staff that you are being negligent when you prioritize relationships and energizing strengths vs. overemphasis on rigour (before relationship) and validating student needs vs. "disciplining" and demanding respect.

# data[].attributes.body
The diversity of the staff has improved since I started my career, but is still not reflective of the kind of diversity I see in my classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Our mini school does not reflect the population of Vancouver.  There is definitely a cultural element to gaining admission.  Getting in means extra opportunities.

# data[].attributes.subject
Our mini school does not reflect the population of Vancouver.  There is definitely a cultural element to gaining admission.  Getting in means extra opportunities.

# data[].attributes.body
Many students have asked why things are so rushed, and they don't have enough time to dip deep and understand things.
Why was SS11 as a required course condensed into the SS10 course when that year and age is SUCH an important time for them to put the pieces together ??? There is way too much content, and too many concepts for students to try and understand when their development (in Gr 10) is really not prepared for all the information.
A real disservice to their learning and our ability as educators to actually help them get a more thorough understanding.
Seriously. If ever we needed more time for 15/16/17 year olds to have more conversation and deeper understanding about their world and each other, it is now.
Yet, in the past few years a lot of crucial learning about injustice has been crammed into SS 10. Many  students who would really benefit from taking an extra year of facilitated SS learning (SS11) along with their personal and social development but do not. They take one more SS course, under-prepared and not at a stage where they can actually LEARN the deeply necessary lessons. This situation is not going to change the current challenges we have as a society.

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opening discussions: A student once said to me "Ms. T. is it Black Lives Matter, or All Lives Matter?  "
something to really use as a learning opportunity

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Do the elected school trustees understand how incredibly difficult things are for us ? Can they advocate for better teaching and learning conditions ? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Do the elected school trustees understand how incredibly difficult things are for us ? Can they advocate for better teaching and learning conditions ? 

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No Indigenous workers in schools with less than 10% Indigenous students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mostly caucasians at admin and board positions

# data[].attributes.subject
Mostly caucasians at admin and board positions

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers need to feel safe too, to speak up about injustice, discrimination, and oppression. For us and our students. When we experience it, it feels like speaking up makes it worse. It can affect our jobs, promotions and more.
Is there somewhere safe for us to go ?

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I once pointed out to a friend that I don't like the word 'Race'. that I don't believe in it..  She told me: Well thats easy for you to say, having not experienced racism. (reminds me of saying "All Lives Matter" in response to "Black lives Matter")
I think its really important to look within...I still feel in my heart a strong dislike of compartmentalizing humans into "races".  I really recomend a book called "The Mismeasure of Man" by Stephen J. Gould.  It opened my eyes into the origins of the 'race' concept and IQ testing, treatment of minorities and the mismeasure of white european males.

# data[].attributes.headline
Colleagues (white, white-aligning) not believing testimonies of IBPOC and minimizing their experiences with anecdotal examples 

# data[].attributes.subject
Colleagues (white, white-aligning) not believing testimonies of IBPOC and minimizing their experiences with anecdotal examples 

# data[].attributes.body
Why are these still being required/used ?
Time to end them.

# data[].attributes.headline
How can we ask for policy changes without being viewed as criticizing our employer if our union does not vote as a majority to represent anti-racist views?

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How can we ask for policy changes without being viewed as criticizing our employer if our union does not vote as a majority to represent anti-racist views?

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I still have a lot to learn and acknowledge about my power and privilege 

# data[].attributes.subject
I still have a lot to learn and acknowledge about my power and privilege 

# data[].attributes.headline
Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism by Harsha Walia

# data[].attributes.subject
Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism by Harsha Walia

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lack of consequences for students who behave in WSC ways

# data[].attributes.subject
lack of consequences for students who behave in WSC ways

# data[].attributes.body
Especially when reported to admin who appear to do nothing, or dismiss a situation.

# data[].attributes.body
How do we make change within a system(s) that have yet to change themselves ?

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How WSC has shaped my life through my education, motherhood and now as an educator. I am constantly learning about how harmful WSC is. Today’s presentation gives me explicit steps on how to recognize this harm, centre BIPOC voices and work to transform the education system staring with myself and then moving outward.

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A Mind Spread Out On the Ground by Alicia Elliott

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From CBC: Unreserved and The Secret Life of Canada (both available as podcasts)

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From CBC: Unreserved and The Secret Life of Canada (both available as podcasts)

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/203-the-secret-life-of-canada

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kse-llLZ0k

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Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, Book by Monique W. Morris

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Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, Book by Monique W. Morris

# data[].attributes.headline
Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony by Sara Florence Davidson & Robert Davidson

# data[].attributes.subject
Potlatch as Pedagogy: Learning Through Ceremony by Sara Florence Davidson & Robert Davidson

# data[].attributes.body
In my daily practice as a teacher, I often find myself questioning whether I should be doing what is expected, or, doing what I truly believe is important. I find there is systemic pressure to be a certain way as a teacher which sometimes conflicts with what I believe is a priority. I also believe that caregivers can sometimes propagate this sentiment as they too are in a white supremacy culture. I it seems as though years and years of a particular system has engrained expectations on all of us leading us to question whether we are truly doing the “right thing.”

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Is BIPOC the best term to use?

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attam@vsb.bc.ca

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Policies that disregard or override student needs

# data[].attributes.subject
Policies that disregard or override student needs

# data[].attributes.body
Such as the firm catchment policy for students entering grade 8. Many children at a very vulnerable age and stage are ripped apart from their peer group, their elementary school cohort. Why? This is an unnecessary policy that is damaging to many students, especially minority students.

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I am not alone in seeking change.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do I explain to a colleague their behaviours are racist?

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How do I explain to a colleague their behaviours are racist?

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Ableism = "imperfect" and not good enough

# data[].attributes.subject
Ableism = "imperfect" and not good enough

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Students and staff with disabilities face fewer/no supports. People who are ill, have been injured/hurt on the job are often marginalized or not supported. Dehumanizing.
This is a common problem. Probably illegal too.

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WILL THE SCHOOL BOARD REALLY SUPPORT US?

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WILL THE SCHOOL BOARD REALLY SUPPORT US?

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Will our school board, the VSB, continue to support their educators by creating the space and time to do this critical work? This year, Anti-Racism and SOGI leads were asked to spend time outside of working hours to attend their orientation and training workshops. Other school leads get EOC coverage to attend theirs. How will educational leaders at VSB support all of their educators beyond this day’s meaningful but singular event?

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Majority of classes being driven by curriculum rather than student inclusivity. No willing ness to change - stuck in old ways.

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The whole system is based on white supremacy.  We must dismantle it. Status quo is no longer acceptable.  We need to honour the Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in everything.  We need to honour the Black and POC.  

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The whole system is based on white supremacy.  We must dismantle it. Status quo is no longer acceptable.  We need to honour the Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing in everything.  We need to honour the Black and POC.  

# data[].attributes.headline
Programs and courses (AP) etc are continued while funding for other supports/courses is chopped. 

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Programs and courses (AP) etc are continued while funding for other supports/courses is chopped. 

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TOO many kids have asked why their core courses were cut, and they had to struggle in regular classes. Often without any supports.
Prestige programs continue, yet other necessary programs and courses are cut, continuously.

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https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/vancouver-news/anti-asian-hate-crimes-in-vancouver-skyrocket-police-bc-covid-19-2847242

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Thank you for your work.
As a white settler, I am reminded that I need to give things up in order to support equity, whether that be a position, a course, a mindset, etc..). It is my responsibility to show up, check my own biases, do anti-racist work and listen more intently to the BIPOC members of my learning community so that the needs of all can better be served.

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Hard to identify it and "outlaw" it when its existence means it will fight and cry fowl at the slightest touch or affront. How do we get those who don't notice the water to take notice?

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that don’t allow student voice in their classrooms, who humiliate students when they ask “dumb” questions, who put quantity of content and assignments over quality of learning.

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What do we do when WSC is perpetuated by our employers and our union won't support in pushing back?

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What steps is the VSB taking to create more open dialogues with staff and students in order to address WSC in our school board? How are they trying to create a space where people feel safe and supported in speaking openly and honestly without fear of consequences or silencing?

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How do we address microaggressions between students when students are dismissive / think we are being 'overly sensitive' or it doesn't matter. This is especially hard when most other staff don't address these microagressions / also perpetuate microagressions / are more concerned about swearing than racism (undermining our efforts to address racism)!

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Sadness

# data[].attributes.body
-If you can't be anti-racist you should not be in education.
-BIPOC students and teachers don't want to be included in your White Supremacy Culture.  We need to decolonize and start a new culture, one that is anti-racist and inclusive.

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Perfectionism- I have been brought up in a culture that success is the goal and not reaching success is a personal failure . I feel like after 35 years of working with children I am just starting to not even see what before I saw as a weakness or failure 

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Perfectionism- I have been brought up in a culture that success is the goal and not reaching success is a personal failure . I feel like after 35 years of working with children I am just starting to not even see what before I saw as a weakness or failure 

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In the top-down hierarchal structure that seems to have no "head" which removes any sense of humanity, accountability and compassion. Questions go unanswered or requests for changes/additions to policy/programming that would better serve our students and staff denied because of "protocols", "policies" or "other" without any proper consultation with those affected.

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Being put in a break out group that will most likely include white teachers who then I have to educate whilst dealing with their constant gaslighting and microaggressions. It's exhausting

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How is this district, actively and continuously, advocating for more dedicated funding for these important issues ?
We need more teachers, more time, more materials. Where does this come from ???

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I made a decision a long time ago to not be involved in a selection process for students applying to challenge/studio programs. 

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I made a decision a long time ago to not be involved in a selection process for students applying to challenge/studio programs. 

# data[].attributes.body
Organization of resources (white supremacy of Dewey) and identification of "classics" as almost objective

# data[].attributes.body
I see the performance anxiety experienced by my students as part of white supremacy culture, as part of a belief in a competitive system that provides opportunity for some, those that work hard, while there are systemic inequalities that pervade

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Lack of “classroom library” literacy being updated 

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Lack of “classroom library” literacy being updated 

# data[].attributes.body
It’s astonishing to look at some classroom libraries and see the outdated, racist, and WSC perpetuating  books still in those libraries. It is our role as educators to update, and evaluate the resources we give to our young students. It’s easy to put out the same books we’ve been pulling out of the same boxes for 20+ years, but it’s time to do better. Offer more choices, that allow thinking at a deeper level for young children. If you’re going to make children sit in a chair for 30+ minutes, give them something enlightening, and actually educating

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sitting thru this one-size-fits-all pro d as bipoc. we need our own space.

# data[].attributes.body
Success does not mean academic, financial, or scholastic accolades. Our students are facing more stressors on their mental health; at least some are more open to talking about it. We need safer spaces and less judgment from the adults.

# data[].attributes.body
Attending this type of pro-d when I am BIPOC andhave experienced
this my whole life.

# data[].attributes.body
how the meetings at VSB and VSTA are run in hierarchical ways and use roberts rules. these rules are the essence of white supremacy culture. They have no space for equity and they dismiss other cultural ways of communicating.

# data[].attributes.body
Messages from VSB officials showing pride in improving high school completion rates for Indigenous students, comparing percentages of our schools overall to Indigenous students. I found it was really highlighting how far we have to go in how we approach Indigenous students in our schools.

# data[].attributes.body
As a white teacher I have a fear of open conflict with my colleagues in my classroom (and fear of if I will be supported - but maybe this is a risk I should be willing to take!) about the images we have up in shared spaces, how they talk to students, perpetuate WSC, etc.

# data[].attributes.headline
Hierarchy perpetuated by school board structures

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Hierarchy perpetuated by school board structures

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When we try to bring these matters to the attention of admin/Board staff and are "cautioned" about trying to raise the issues.
Where can we safely advocate ?
Who is held accountable for the lack of resources/teachers/supports for POC, indigenous and other students ?

# data[].attributes.headline
I was involved in interviewing/discussing potential teachers w admin. Many years ago... Not saying which school. Principal chose male teacher because he was male and actually said that. Blew my mind.

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I was involved in interviewing/discussing potential teachers w admin. Many years ago... Not saying which school. Principal chose male teacher because he was male and actually said that. Blew my mind.

# data[].attributes.body
How do we change the system when it is all about and based on powerhoarding? There isn't a lot of diversity at the top. And the fact that there is a top and a bottom... How do we make change when those in power don't really want change to happen.

# data[].attributes.body
As a white teacher I see myself catering to white students who have been soaked in WSC. I am constantly thinking how to address their complaints of everyone being 'too sensitive' and therefore minimize conversations about racism, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Resources available and lack of funds to invest otherwise

# data[].attributes.body
As a racialized person, why do I have to sit through a presentation about the racism that I live every day? Why am I so erased/disappeared that there isn't a separate presentation with the kinds of supports I need? The "you" is still white teachers , admin, support workers.

# data[].attributes.body
Mini schools.

# data[].attributes.headline
That it is incumbant on all of us, especially those who are white, to learn more about our privilege and how we benefit from it and how our privilege is   anothers detriment.

# data[].attributes.subject
That it is incumbant on all of us, especially those who are white, to learn more about our privilege and how we benefit from it and how our privilege is   anothers detriment.

# data[].attributes.body
Sometimes, I struggle responding to micro aggressions in the classroom without getting upset. What are some strategies for addressing disrespectful comments in the classroom?

# data[].attributes.body
Lack of adequate funding for areas/courses that can/will make a real, substantive difference in these changes.
Dedicate at least one FTE at each secondary school to teaching courses that ARE focussed on changing the way students learn about this and what they're learning. These classes are often cut due to perceived lack of interest, and then don't run, and then have no place....

# data[].attributes.body
The entire system of kids getting extra help being tied to a system of designations.

# data[].attributes.body
As an Indigenous educator- having to walk on eggshells in order to “not offend”. Pointing out microaggressions and being told that I misunderstood or make everything about race. Not being believed.

# data[].attributes.headline
Who is going to read these comments other than those who choose to?

# data[].attributes.subject
Who is going to read these comments other than those who choose to?

# data[].attributes.body
Best way to deal with negative feedback from parents?

# data[].attributes.body
The fact that we still have the SLO program means that we are not aligning with the evidence-based approach of “defund the police”. Police have not been shown to keep communities safe.

# data[].attributes.headline
Education in a family and community context?

# data[].attributes.subject
Education in a family and community context?

# data[].attributes.body
How can I get families more involved in ways that are valuable and meaningful for them? And covid-safer.

# data[].attributes.body
How can we make students care about this?