Inclusion at Darby

Written by Z Skarupa

Last Wednesday, March 9, 2022, I was invited to a staff meeting along with a few other students. Our task was to give personal perspectives on LGBTQ+ matters around the school and to give advice to help improve inclusion at Darby. It was quite a nerve-racking event, given that the people we were lecturing to were mainly our teachers. However, I believe it went well, given the response we received.

To get everything started, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department asked us the following questions:

“What has your experience at school been like as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?”

“What are some things that teachers and staff have said or done that made you feel welcomed and included?”

“Without naming anyone specific, what are some things staff or teachers have said or done that should be avoided in the future?”

“What does ideal support look, sound, and feel like to you?” and “What more can be done at Darby to make all students feel included at the school?”

Most of my answers related to the proper use of names and pronouns, knowing that it is one of the easiest ways to allow students to feel included and safe. Other topics included things along the lines of creating a safe space in the classroom, knowing the significance of a student going by one name at school but not at home, and changing perspective and expanding on one’s learning.

From the staff side of things, everyone was listening very carefully and seemed to be very interested in what we had to say. With most of the panel featuring seniors, I feel we had a truly accurate account of the experience at Darby and I want to thank the teachers and staff for allowing us a chance to voice our opinions and for doing a pretty good job at making Darby inclusive.