"The core values and ideals of the nation emanate not from the mainstream but from the margins; from among Asian and African Americans, Latinos and American Indians, women, and gays and lesbians. In their struggles for equality, these groups have helped preserve and advance the principles and ideals of democracy and have thereby made America a freer place for all."
-Gary Y. Okihiro

Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members:

Welcome to Seattle Public Schools Department of Equity and Race Relations web site. This department exists to help support the academic achievement of every student by increasing awareness, knowledge, skills, and advocacy strategies necessary to confront the complex global issues of racism and discrimination as they exist within our district. Our work supports the district's mission and the Seattle School Board's values of equity, inclusivity, and justice and the belief that "public education is a foundation of democracy." Our goals are to eliminate the achievement gap by:

1. Increasing the effectiveness and relevance of instructional support services for all students.
   
2. Eliminating systemic barriers to student achievement.
   
3. Working with staff to increase their cultural competence and therefore, their ability to provide culturally responsive instruction, effective cross-cultural communication and improved decision making.
   
4. Examining curriculum for its anti-bias and multicultural contents
   
5. Reviewing and revising board and district policies and procedures to effectively address the needs of students of color.
   
6. Improving partnership with communities and families of color.

Talking about inequity and institutional racism is difficult and can bring about controversy and dissension. However, it is important to be willing to struggle with these issues and questions in order to address the disproportionality that exists in both achievement and discipline.

We each come to these issues with our individual perspectives, and we will have different ideas about possible answers. This site is designed to start a conversation and support and deepen our understanding. We hope you find it a useful tool in further developing a school system where all young people can succeed.

Warm Regards,