Cultural Diversity & Equity
June 2021 Newsletter
In This Issue
- Department Updates
- Shout-Out to Our Students
- Shout-Out to Our Staff
- LGBTQ Pride Month
- Juneteenth
- Upcoming Events
- Religious Holidays
ICCSD Statement of LGBTQ+ Inclusion
The Iowa City Community School District is committed to creating a safe and inclusive school environment for all students free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.
School climate is an important predictor of student success for all students, however, schools can be especially unwelcoming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth. Research shows that LGBTQ+ students, nationally, and in Iowa, experience discrimination, harassment, and violence more frequently than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Data from the District’s 2017 School Climate Report reveals that students who identify as LGBTQ+ are significantly less likely to report that they feel they belong in school, that school staff is supportive of them and that they feel that their contributions are valued in the classroom.
The District is devoted to addressing the needs and inequities that LGBTQ+ youth face in our schools. This commitment to inclusion of our LGBTQ+ students builds on existing Iowa law and current District policies. Incorporating an inclusive atmosphere free from discrimination is identified in Title IX, the Iowa Code, the District’s non-discrimination policy, and the District’s mission statement. It is our shared responsibility to ensure every member of our school community is valued and respected regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. We are actively working to create more inclusive policies and practices that support and affirm the identities of LGBTQ+ students. We believe that learning about the diversity of humankind is an essential part of education in a democratic society. We encourage our students, staff, and members of the community to celebrate the inclusiveness and diversity that contributes to growth, success, safety, and quality of life for everyone at the Iowa City Community School District.
Approved: 4/24/2018
ICCSD LGBTQ+ Administrative Guidelines
On August 21st, 2019 the Iowa City Community School District adopted new LGBTQ Administrative Guidelines which are housed under our existing Bullying and Harassment policy.
These guidelines set expectations for ICCSD staff and students and serve as a resource to facilitate the consistent implementation of the following LGBTQ-specific policies. Our guidelines cover a broad scope of protocols, as listed below:
- Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination
- Privacy/Confidentiality
- Names, Pronouns, and School Records
- Access to Facilities
- Interscholastic Activities
- Intraschool Events, Ceremonies, and Activities
- Inclusive Curriculum
- Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs)
- Adult Advocates
- Access to Supportive Resources
- Dress Code
- Student Transitions
- Training and Professional Development
- Accountability
We have a professional responsibility to comply with all of the parts of the LGBTQ Guidelines under the purview of the ICCSD Equity Department. More professional development opportunities are always available for those who need additional support to be successful in practicing these policies.
This has been a momentous moment in the movement to create a safe and inclusive environment for our LGBTQ students, and the members of the LGBTQ Planning Committee have never wavered or lost their focus on the goals for their children. They are all a testament to their profession and deserve our utmost gratitude!
ICCSD LGBTQ Youth Supports
We have compiled helpful resources for teachers, students, and parents including Glossaries of Terms, Do's and Don'ts of Interacting with LGBT Individuals, and information on how to answer tough questions.
You can also find a list of local and national resources for Students, Teachers, Parents, and community members that advocate for LGBTQ rights, as well as information about the Basic Rights of LGBTQ Students (State and Federal).
Looking for information about your school's Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)? We provide a list of all GSAs at our secondary schools and the date and time of their meetings.
We are consistently trying to improve our materials, if you have resources or materials that you think are awesome, please contact the Equity Department!
Shout-out to our Students!
- Aala Basheir
- Aditi Borde
- Caroline Barker
- Dasia Taylor
- Lulu Roarick
- Paras Bassuk
- Rebecca Michaeli
- Reyna Roach
Each of these students has demonstrated a passion for Equity and a drive to make change happen. Their thoughtful input and their uncanny ability to strike at the heart of Equity related issues in committee meetings have been nothing short of inspiring to all that have had the pleasure to see it.
We are excited to see what they all do next!
Shout-out to our Teachers!
This month we are excited to highlight South East Jr. High's Chelsea Sims! She is a teacher-librarian and has a passion for equity. Chelsea has been doing some amazing work with SEJH's library collections, and has shared valuable book lists with us for Pride Month:
- Love is Love (LGBTQ+ fiction and nonfiction grades 6+)
- Gender Identity (fiction and nonfiction grades 6+)
- LGBTQ+ History Resources (print and digital for teachers and/or student researchers)
SEJH staff also did a book study with this book earlier in the year, and it was really helpful: The Educator's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion by Kryss Shane
To check out more reading lists from SEJH, click here!
In addition to this work, Chelsea has advocated for the district to make equitable changes to our student information systems and has provided the Equity department with many wonderful resources for our LGBTQ youth.
Please give Chelsea Sims a big shoutout for her dedication to her students, and to this district. Keep up the good work!
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
What does LGBTQIA stand for?
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer
Intersex
Asexual
To see a glossary of terms, click here to view GLAAD's Media Reference Guide
How did Pride Month begin?
In June of 1969 in Greenwich Village, police raided the Stonewall Inn. They arrested patrons as onlookers grew more and more restless and discontent. Eventually (there is no consensus on who started), violence broke out, and homophobic police were forced to retreat. Confrontations continued over the span of several days.
This would prove to be a pivotal moment in the Gay Rights Movement, and activists began organizing protests, marches, and events. A few days after the Stonewall Riots activists gathered for a "gay power" rally in Washington Square Park. Just a year later they organized a match to Central Park (NYC) and the term "Gay Pride" was adopted.
This movement steadily grew and has become a massive celebration nationwide!
To learn more about the Stonewall Riots, and the origin of Pride Month, click here.
LGBTQ Rights Movement
The LGBTQ movement has grown since the 1969 riots as queer activists have fought for the decriminalization of homosexuality, equal opportunities for employment, the right to marry, and the right to serve in the military.
There have been many successes, such as the board of American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses in 1973, Wisconson outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in 1982, to June 26th, 2015 when a U.S Supreme Court decision (Obergefell v. Hodges) declares same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.
Among these triumphs were also many obstacles. The AIDS epidemic that ravaged the LGBTQ community, discriminating policies like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", countless hate crimes and murders of LGBTQ individuals, and increasing introduction of anti-LGBTQ policies are just some of the struggles that this movement fights against.
To see a list of milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement, click here!
RISE UP: Respecting Identity through Supportive, Empathetic, and Unifying Practices
If you're looking for a comprehensive toolkit to help guide you to LGBTQ+ resources, we recommend checking out:
RISE UP: Respecting Identity through Supportive, Empathetic, and Unifying Practices
This toolkit was developed by ICCSD's own Dawn BarbouRoske who is an ELP Educator and Enrichment Specialist in multiple schools in the district including Lucas, Hills, Coralville Central, Longfellow, and Twain since 2006!
Dawn has been an active member of the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee and was on the ICCSD LGBTQ+ Taskforce that jump-started this initiative where she created the above Gender Toolkit Resource, curated materials, and helped to write and edit what would come to be our LGBTQ+ Administrative Guidelines.
Her dedication to our students is inspiring, and her contribution to this movement is invaluable.
3 LGBTQ People You Should Know About
Bayard Rustin
Elliot Page
Gloria Anzaldua
Can You Identify All 15 Pride Flags?
Check out these cool resources for celebrating Pride!
General Order No. 3
On June 19th, 1865 federal troops traveled through Texas to announce the end of the Civil War, and that all people who were enslaved should be free. Although Confederate Gender Robert E. Lee had surrendered two months prior, because of its isolation, slavery Texas was relatively unaffected.
It was not until General Gordan Granger read General Order No. 3 which stated that:
- "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
To view the original document, click here.
The Emancipation Proclamation
Although General Granger's General Order No. 3 was read in 1865, a federal executive order given by Abraham Lincoln was actually given two years prior in 1863.
This order is called The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1st, 1863 proclaiming that all persons held as slaves within rebellion states are now free. This proclamation effectively changed the legal status of more than 3.5 million enslaved African Americans in confederate states.
There were shortcomings, however. This order only affected enslaved persons in states that had rebelled against the Union and were under Confederate control. This means that many border states and rebel areas already under Union control were exempt. As Union troops moved into the South, however, many enslaved people fled behind Union lines.
To view the original document, click here.
Was Juneteenth the end of slavery and racism in the United States?
Even after General Order No. 3 was issued, slavery was still legal in Deleware and Kentucky for months, until the 13th Amendment abolished chattel slavery.
Even after the 13th amendment, enforcement was slow to roll out, and African Americans faced obstacles like Jim Crow Laws, discrimination, and violence, some of which are still seen and felt today.
We would like to acknowledge the complicated and painful history of this day and stand together to celebrate and support our students, staff, and families of color in this district.
Check out our "Upcoming Events" section to see ways you can celebrate Juneteenth!
Check out some resources to learn more about Juneteenth
Upcoming Events
Johnson County Juneteenth Events: Juneteenth History Walk-In
Stop by participating Black-owned businesses and learn more about the history of Juneteenth and Black history in Johnson County. Pick up a punch card at any of the participating businesses, get it stamped at a least seven of the locations and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 or $50 gift card from one of the businesses.
Participating businesses:
- Venus Beauty Supply
- Textures Salon
- SugaPeach
- Keto Kitchen
- Dunn Brothers
- Crepes De Luxe Café
- Christina’s Unity Beauty Supply
- A to Z Thrift Store
- Basic Goods
- First Class Boutiques
- Tweety Juice Bar
- Modina African Market
- Rodney’s Jamaican Jerk
- Island Vybz
Sunday, Jun 13, 2021, 08:00 AM
Iowa City, IA, USA
Johnson Country Juneteenth Events: Community Conversations “Real Talk” Discussion
Join us in conversation with local community members as we discuss the following topics:
- The importance of commemorating Juneteenth
- Schools and if they are a reflection of our community
- Police Reform
- How have movements like Black Lives Matter changed how we advocate for social justice
Register to attend: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoc-iqqTkjHddyd0ValEmcYRiGTsOBWjH6
Monday, Jun 14, 2021, 06:00 PM
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ALL THINGS PRIDE: North Liberty
FREE ADMISSION
Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021, 01:00 PM
Samuel and Emma A. Ranshaw House, West Penn Street, North Liberty, IA, USA
Johnson County Education and Resource Fair
The Education & Resource Virtual Fair will feature opportunities to learn more about the variety of programs and resources in the community. This year's fair will feature sessions about financial literacy, wealth and the history of Juneteenth. First 100 people to register will get a swag bag containing items from participating vendors. We are also giving away a $100 and $50 HyVee gift card.
Participants are welcome to come and go throughout the event. Check out the agenda below.
Agenda:
- Networking: 4:00 - 4:20
- Session 1: "What is Juneteenth?" 4:20 - 4:50
- Networking: 4:50 - 5:10
- Session 2: "Money Talk 101" 5:10 - 5:40
- Networking: 5:40 - 6:00
- Session 3: "Wealth Management" 6:00 - 6:30
Register to attend: https://live.remo.co/e/juneteenth-education-and-resourc
Participating Vendors are: GreenState Credit Union, TaxAct, Better Way Forward,Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America - Johnson County, Iowa City Fire Department, The Writers Room, Primerica Financial Services, Multicultural Development Center of Iowa, Domestic Violence Intervention Program, The Iowa Children's Museum, Amerigroup Iowa, Johnson County Democratic Central Committee, Iowa City Climate Advocates, Beloved Community Initiative, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, North Liberty Library, CommUnity Crisis Service and Food Bank, Rape Victim Advocacy Program, Community Action of Eastern Iowa, Amerigroup Iowa, UCLA Student Stroke Force, Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic, Emma Goldman Clinic, Johnson County Public Health, and Iowa Compass.
Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021, 04:00 PM
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Johnson County: Block Party
Thursday, Jun 17, 2021, 05:00 PM
Chauncey Swan Park, East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA, USA
Speaker Series Presented by F&G in Partnership with Facebook & Wellmark
About the Event
Capital City Pride will be hosting a Speaker Series.
Jane Elliott will be the June Speaker!
Jane Elliott, is an internationally known educator, lecturer, diversity trainer, and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. She exposes prejudice and bigotry for what it is, an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. And if you think this does not apply to you. . . you are in for a rude awakening.
In response to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, Jane Elliott devised the controversial and startling, "Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Exercise." This, now famous, exercise labels participants as inferior or superior based solely upon the color of their eyes and exposes them to the experience of being a minority. Everyone who is exposed to Jane Elliott's work, be it through a lecture, workshop, or video, is dramatically affected by it.
Also, Elliott was born in 1933 to Lloyd and Margaret (Benson) Jennison on her family's farm in or near Riceville, Iowa. Her father, who delivered her, was Irish- American. She was the fourth of several children.
In 1952, after graduating from high school, Elliott attended the Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where she attained an emergency elementary teaching certificate in five quarters. In 1953, she began her teaching career in a one-room school in Randall.
Website: https://janeelliott.com/
Tuesday, Jun 15, 2021, 09:00 PM
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African American Museum of Iowa: Festival at NewBo City Market
Festival Schedule – June 19
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Mayoral Proclamation
Pie Eating Contest from Melanated Men
Indie Rock performance by Metamorphix
Spoken Word from Caleb “The Negro” Artist Rainey
Drum Trio Performance by blooming
1:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Musical Performance by Janessa Senter
Dream Girls Performance by Alicia Strong
Strange Fruit” Performance by Saving Our Sisters
Performance by Members of the Washington High School Step Team
Musical Performance by Keeyon Carter
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mini Concert Featuring Blake Shaw & James Buennig
Saturday, Jun 19, 2021, 11:00 AM
NewBo City Market, 3rd Street Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
NMAAHC Kids: Joyful Fridays
About this Event
Joyful Fridays: U is for Unique
Designed for: Children ages 4 to 8 years
U is for Unique. You are unique! Join museum educators to celebrate your unique identity and create a unique name art during this webinar-style Zoom class.
A version of this art project is featured in the NMAAHC Joyful ABCs: U is for Unique Activity Book.
Friday, Jun 18, 2021, 11:00 AM
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Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Resilience| Genealogy & Records Of Intrigue
Using a case of "Reverse Genealogy" the family history of an enslaved spinner & weaver will be traced from the era of the American Revolution to the turn of the century. Based on a Freedman's Bank record Center staff will follow the historical footpath of a woman who lost children during slavery and the Civil War, surviving to secure an account with the Freedman's Bank. This presentation will demonstrate how one critical record links to a host of documents leading to an intriguing emancipation story.
Saturday, Jun 19, 2021, 12:00 PM
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Juneteenth: A Celebration Of Resilience| Porch Stories – Tales Of Slavery And Beyond
Internationally recognized storyteller, Jan Blake shares two stories – an Ethiopian tale entitled “Fire on the Mountain” followed by her interpretation of a short story by Charles Chesnutt entitled “Mary and Moses.” These stories share insights into the wisdom and strength of America’s post-slavery communities and the futures they faced. Daniel Black, Professor of African American Studies at Clark University, Atlanta, and a novelist, interviews Blake about how she weaves the African American experience into the body of her work largely focused upon the Diaspora. Recommended for ages 10+.
Saturday, Jun 19, 2021, 03:00 PM
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OneIowa: LGBTQ 101
Join us for a free LGBTQ 101 about the best practices for working with LGBTQ people, including pronouns, gender-neutral language, and the art of the apology. This event is a part of our monthly One Iowa Gala events leading up to the Gala on Thursday, August 5th. Grab raffle tickets for the One Iowa Gala when checking out!
Friday, Jun 25, 2021, 12:00 PM
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Commemorative Observances
This year we will acknowledge the various diverse cultures that are celebrated throughout the year. We understand that our calendar may not be all-inclusive, so if you are aware of any cultural holidays or months of observance that we should know about, feel free to reach out and let us know.
African American History Month (February)
National African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history.
Women's History Month (March)
Women’s History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States.
Irish-American Heritage Month (March)
Irish-American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the contributions which Irish-Americans have made to the United States.
Jewish American Heritage Month (May)
Jewish American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the contributions Jewish Americans have made to America since they first arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654.
Asian Pacific Heritage Month (May)
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the contributions Asian/Pacific Americans have made to American history, society and culture.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month (June)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month commemorates the events of June 1969 and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ Americans.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their Independence days in September.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the accomplishments in the workplace of persons with disabilities and reaffirms the commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities to all citizens.
American Indian Heritage Month (November)
National American Indian Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.
By Month
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/index.php
Happy Holidays!
- Corpus Christi - Thursday, June 3rd
- Núr (Light) - Friday, June 4th
- Saint Columba of Iona - Wednesday, June 9th
- Savitri Pooja - Thursday, June 10th
- Feast of the Sacred Heart - Friday, June 11th
- Saint Vladimir - Tuesday, June 15th
- Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib - Wednesday, June 16th
- Raḥmat (Mercy) - Wednesday, June 23rd
- Litha - Thursday, June 24th
- Fast of Tammuz - Sunday, June 27th
- Saints Peter and Paul - Tuesday, June 29th
- Green Corn Festival - Late June/Early July
- Iroquois Strawberry Ceremony - Mid June
Who is in the Equity Department?
Laura Gray
Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness
Charita Martin
Equity and Engagement Specialist
Andrea Jayne
Equity Program Facilitator
Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations
Email: howard.eric@iowacityschools.org
Website: iowacityschools.org/Equity
Location: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 688-1000
About Us
Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Eric Howard, Director of Equity & Employee Relations
Email: howard.eric@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/64
Location: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: (319) 688-1000