October – Ableism
Ableism is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of perceived or actual physical and/or intellectual abilities. Ableism also includes the concept of neurodiversity. It is the customs and inclinations…
National Day of Accountability: Taking action today and year-round
#BlackLivesMatter was founded as a response to the dehumanization of black people after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murder in 2013, but both the use of the hashtag on social…
Core Principles Explained: Core Principle #4
“Seek to impact someone’s heart, which will ultimately change their mind.” Have you ever seen a Ted Talk, an interview, or a spoken word performance that made you see something…
What is Ethnocentrism? Looking beyond the dominant culture
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, celebrations of Patriotism occur in many different ways. Many people attend barbeques on the weekends, light fireworks on the Fourth of July, display the…
Core Principles Explained: Core Principle #3
“We must intentionally include so as to not unintentionally exclude.” “We don’t discriminate, everyone is welcome here!” It sounds good on the surface, and it has great intentions behind it…
“Lightyear” is another example that familialism and heterosexism are alive and well
Disney and Pixar recently released “Lightyear,” which is an animated movie about the superhero that influenced the toy Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story series. However, it is not the…
Familialism: Who is a part of your family?
If someone asked you, “Who is a part of your family?” Do you list blood relatives? Children? Extended family members? What about parents of friends who practically raised you? Some…
Juneteenth: United States’ Second Independence Day
You may not have heard of Juneteenth, and that is not surprising. In a poll put out by the New York Times last year (2021) after the announcement of Juneteenth…
Overcoming Heterosexism through Celebration
Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the resilience of those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Pride celebrations began in 1970 across the United States, and the world, following…
Social-Emotional Learning is Life-Saving Curriculum
With the rise in suicide rates for students and young adults, Social-Emotional Learning has never been more important. Ryan Last, 17. An unnamed 14-year-old at Niagara Falls. Kailia Posey, 16.…
