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Shining a Light on Current Racial Inequities

By Richard Myers
Posted: 08/07/2023
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Notes by Sharon Jarrett

 

There was no formal Agenda for the meeting and those attending focused their discussion on current events of concern.  These included:
 

Low income workers, disportionately people of color, and efforts to improve their economic situation

Immigration and the treatment of refugees

Medical care and the impacts on those working in patient care.  Included were concerns about availability of staff and pay.

 
The overarching factor discussed was the disportionate impact the current economic situation has on people of color.  Elements discussed included housing, safety and education.
 
Participants joining from Houston discussed the new Superintendent of Schools in the Houston Independent School District closing school libraries.  At the elementary level this action seemed a response to concerns about access to books parents were concerned about.  At the high school level in addition to closing the libraries, the spaces were to be used as "detention centers" for in house detention.The concerns expressed focused on the elimination of a valuable student support and the impact on students from low income families of color who do not have other options for their children such as internet access for research. The inappropriate teaming of a study environment as a disciplinary location was also noted.
 
It was also noted that many districts are experiencing shortages of teachers.  In Houston this has led to individuals without certification being placed in classrooms.
 
Our next meeting will be on August 18th at 12 Noon Pacific on the same link we always use. The link will be sent out in response to a registration our website and to all of our mailing list for the group, prior to the meeting. 
 
On the first Friday in October, 10/6, we will feature a return visit by Helane Rheingold where she will conduct another of her engaging discussions of art, featuring images from the National Gallery of Art. More information about this presentation wil be forthcoming as the date nears. 
 
We invite guests to join us. They can register for the event on our website or request to be added to our email list.  
 
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