Diversity Clearinghouse 

 

• Anti-Bullying Links:  By: Karen L. Laudenslager - PSCA Crisis Response Chairperson (Oct 04)  Word  Acrobat

Disability Issues:     

q       National Center On Secondary Education and Transition - December 2003 NCSET Issue Brief on Bullying and Teasing, available at http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=1132 You can find this and previous issues of E-News online at http://www.ncset.org/enews/current.asp  

q       Office For Civil Rights – Students With Disabilities Preparing For Post-Secondary Education:  Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.  www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html 

q       OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation)

 

Diversity (General)    

q Diversity Web – An electronic hub linking nearly 300 institutions’ work on diversity; includes connections to campus-based diversity homepages. www.diversityweb.org  

q       O.T: Our Town – An independent documentary film which profoundly explores issues of diversity while exposing commonalities in the human experience. This film has been called “thought provoking, seed planting, and life altering!”  The director / producer and distributor of the film (Film Movement) will provide the movie free of charge to educational organizations in DVD or video format.  Their website is: www.filmmovement.com 

q       WCU For All Of Us – Diversity Lecture Series – Please do not overlook your local institutions of higher education.  For example, the West Chester University Office of Social Equity, West Chester, PA 19383, sponsors an annual Diversity Lecture Series.  Members of the WCU community are invited to attend as the University “continues to build an inclusive community.  The lecture series responds to the University’s “changing community by providing a series of lectures intended to enlighten and empower” West Chester as a community.  To learn more about these events in particular contact the WCU Office of Social Equity at (610) 436-2433. 

Equity 

q       Applied Research Center – a public policy, educational and research institute whose work emphasizes issues of race and social change. www.arc.org 

q       Office of Civil Rights:  US Department of Education – Ensures equal access t education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. www.ed.gov/offices/OCR 

q       Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education (PBCOHE, Inc.) – provides programs and services which help ensure that the post-secondary educational needs and aspirations of Black Americans in particular are met, and to work in concert with members of other under-represented groups in Pennsylvania. www.sa.psu.edu/pbcohe

q       Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education – Social Equity Office – challenges everyone at the state universities to be actively involved in the creation of a welcoming, nurturing climate in which students, staff and faculty develop and flourish personally and professionally;  this will promote understanding, tolerance, respect for others and, ultimately community. www.sshechan.edu/equity1.htm 

q       The Mid-Atlantic Equity Center – Assists school systems and other educational organizations to create learning environments free of race, gender, class, ethnic or culture biases so that students of all backgrounds will have equal opportunities to flourish.  www.maec.org 

Human Rights / Tolerance 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. 

q       Bullying Information For Counselors – Published by the Pennsylvania School Counselors Association.   The brochure includes listings of online resources and other publications.  Copies may be ordered through the PSCA Public Awareness and Advocacy Chairperson. 

q       Project CARE: A Life Quest Foundation Program – Building healthy communities by promoting wellness, resiliency and success thorough education and training.   Provides programs including Bullying Prevention K-12 / Character Education and Bullying Prevention: a Perfect Fit, Preventing.  Project CARE, 2100 Quaker Pointe Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951, www.projectcare.org 

q       Civil rights Today: Special Report ( The New America, Roots of Racism, A Time To Remember, A Taste For Tolerance) – AARP The Magazine, May / June 2004 

q       Operation Respect – Operation Respect:  Don’t Laugh At Me (www.dontlaugh.org).  Operation Respect is a non-profit organization working to transform schools, camps, and organizations focused on children and youth, into more compassionate, safe and respectful environments. Founded by Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary, the organization disseminates educational resources that are designed to establish a climate that reduced the emotional and physical cruelty some children inflict upon each other by behaviors such as ridicule, bullying and in extreme cases violence.  It is a unique organization that provides a gateway to broad scale adoption of school=based character education as well as social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. 

q       Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission – Promoting Equal Opportunity.  “Discrimination, prejudice, and bias.  Three words that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people.  Our purpose is to provide you with answers to questions that you have about the commission, our procedures and our role within Pennsylvania:  investigating complaints of discrimination and monitoring bias-related crimes and tension within our community.” www.phrc.state.pa.us     

                PHRC Kids Page: Yes I Can Activity                www.sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PHRC/kids/kids_home.html

                                                                                              

q       Religious Tolerance – “Religious tolerance mans … extending freedom to people of all religions, even though you disagree with their beliefs and practices. “  www.religioustolerance.org 

q       Talking With Kids About Choosing Tolerance over Prejudice:  Helpful Guidance and Support … For Parents, For Teachers, For All Caring Adults, One Caring Place, Abbey Press, St. Meinrad, IN 47577 1-800-325-2511.  

q       Teaching Tolerance.org: Teaching Tolerance -- Pioneering anti-bias education -- offers a collection of award-winning, free materials – each designed to help K-12 teachers and other educators promote respect and equity. Among the numerous publications and resources offered: Responding to Hate At School:  A Guide For Teachers, Counselors, And Administrators and 101 Tools For Tolerance:  Simple Ideas For Promoting Equity and Celebrating Diversity (English and Spanish) – Published by Teaching Tolerance, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.  The website includes 14 pages of links to related organizations and other resources. www.teachingtolerance.org 

q       The Second Mile (www.thesecondmile.org):  PEAK (Prevention Education and Awareness For Kids) Play Kit I:  No Bullying Allowed!  A research-based anti-bullying program designed to be used with upper elementary or middle school students.  The centerpiece of the program is a short play in which a typical in-school bullying situation is confronted and challenged by the students themselves.  Printed materials and CD-ROM. ($15).  The Second Mile – PEAK, 1402 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801. 

q       Southern Poverty Law Center – Sponsors of Teaching Tolerance www.splcenter.org 

Multicultural / Cultural Diversity 

q       Center for Multicultural Education – (University of Washington, Seattle, WA) Focuses on research projects and activities designed to improve practice related to equity issues, inter-group relations, and the achievement of students of color.  The Center also engages in services and teaching related to its mission. Center For Multicultural Education, 110 Miller Hall, Box 353600, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3600 (206) 543-3386 www.depts.washington.edu/~centerme/home.htm 

q       2004 Conference Resource Handout -  Resources for Schools: Addressing Issues Of Diversity … Race / Ethnic Relations (See Diversity Taskforce Materials) 

q       Multicultural Education – Resources for educators and students to explore and discuss multicultural education.  www.edchange.org/multiculturalteachers.html 

q       Multicultural Education Resources – The “largest” site of links about diversity.  www.education.gsw.edu/johnson/multiculturaleducation.htm 

q       Multicultural Kids – Multicultural materials for preschool and elementary school age children.  www.multiculturalkids.com 

q       Multicultural SuperLinks – Multicultural Supersite – McGraw Hill By Paul Gorski www.mhhe.com/socscience/education/multi/sites/mced.html 

q       National Association of School Psychologists – Mini-Series: Multicultural and Cross Cultural Consultation In Schools,, School Psychology Review, Vol. 29, #3, 2000. www.nasponline.org 

q       National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Programs – funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement and Academic Achievement for LEP Students to collect, analyze and disseminate information relating to effective educational of linguistically and culturally diverse learners in the United States. www.ncbe.gwu.edu 

q       National Multicultural Institute – Organization providing services, knowledge, and skills in the growing field of multiculturalism and diversity. www.nmci.org 

q       Project REACH -   Project REACH is program developed through the REACH Center – a non-profit organization committed to multicultural and global education. “The central purpose of Project REACH at its inception was to prepare students in predominantly white school and community settings to live effectively and positively within a culturally pluralistic world.  Over a decade of experience with the Project REACH curriculum has demonstrated that the program also works well in culturally diverse communities.  The project has proven to affect students at two levels; increased multicultural knowledge and increased attitudinal acceptance of others.  Project REACH has been validated by the Department of Education and is a part of the National Diffusion Network for effective educational programs.  The Project REACH program is meant to be integrated into existing curriculum.  The project’s curriculum emphases includes:  Human Relations skills  - “self awareness, interpersonal relations, and group dynamics”;  Cultural Self-Awareness – “understanding and appreciation of the individuals cultural background”; Multi-Cultural Awareness – “understanding and respect of cultures different from one’s own / awareness of diverse cultural perspectives on key events in American History”;  and Cross-Cultural Experience – significant person-to-person contact with people form diverse ethic communities.”   Individuals interested in learning more about Project REACH may contact the REACH Center, 4464 Fremont Avenue North, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98103. 206.545.4977. Please contact Project REACH at www.reachctr.org 

q       Trans-racial Parenting – Training and publications for people who are currently or who are considering, parenting trans-racially.  North American Council on Adoptable Children. www.nacac.org/transracial.html 

q       White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans – The goal of this project is to increase opportunities for Hispanic Americans to participate in and benefit from federal education programs. For more information call 202-401-1411 or  www.YesICan.gov 

Sexual Identity 

q       2004 Conference Resource Handout – Creating A Safe School Environment: Working With Gay and Lesbian Youth (See Diversity Taskforce Materials) 

q       Common Roads - Serving Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning, and Allied Youth of Central Pennsylvania: The mission of Common Roads is to “support and enhance the self-esteem of sexual minority youth and to increase public awareness and understanding of their issue by: Providing a safe, confidential, non-judgmental place for youth to obtain support and understanding; Combating homophobia through training and education which provide accurate information on sexual minorities; And encouraging and promoting research and advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth.” Contact information:  Dr. Carol Reisinger, Executive Director, Common Roads, Inc.  717-920-9534 carolr@comonroads.org  /  www.commonroads.org / info@commonroads.org  

q       GLAAD - Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.  www.gladd.org 

q       Gender Matters - The ASCA School Counselor, May / June 2003:  The entire magazine is dedicated to the issue of gender.  For more information contact ASCA – The American School Counselor Association. www.schoolcounselor.org 

q       GLSN – Gay Lesbian, Straight Education Network – A national group who has worked to develop programs for sensitivity training, acceptances, and issues affecting gay students and educators.  Pennsylvania chapters are:  GLSEN Greater Lehigh Valley, 17 West Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 867-6641; GLSEN Philadelphia, P.O. Box 2118, Philadelphia, PA 10103 glsenphl@critipath.org, and GLSEN Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 110288, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.  The national website is http://www.glsen.org/templates/index.html. 

·         Coming Out:  A Guide for Youth and Their Allies, 2003

·         Model Harassment and Discrimination Policies (Sample School District Policies)

·         How Does Homophobia Hurt Us All?, 2003 

q       Main Line Youth Alliance - The Main Line Youth Alliance (MYA) provides gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and straight youth with social, educational and supportive activities in a confidential, respectful and safe environment. Main Line Youth Alliance programs, unique in Philadelphia's western suburbs, encourage healthy relationships with peers, family and community.
MYA meets every Friday all year long in Wayne, Pennsylvania.  Our doors are open to all youth ages 14-22. MYA exists for youth!  Our programs, activities, and special events are planned with youth input and our most successful events have come from youth suggestions and input.  Friday night meetings are a mix of open discussions and presentations, where a casual atmosphere allows for talking, playing games, discussing issues and lots of food and fun!  Contact:  MYA, P.O. Box 442, Wayne, PA 19087, 610 688 1861 / info@myaonline.org / http://www.myaonline.org 

q       Massachusetts Department of Education – Superb resource for the development of supports for gay and lesbian youth.  Students are protected by law.  Topics include: The Massachusetts Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, The Gay and Lesbian Student Rights Law, Gay / Straight Alliances: A Student Guide, 10 Easy Steps to Starting A GSA, Top Ten GSA Meeting Ideas, and Out and About: Other Activities.  www.mass.gov   (Search:  Gay / Lesbian) 

q       National Association of School Psychologists – Mini-Series:  Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Questioning Youth, School Psychology Review, Vol. 29, #2, 2002. www.nasponline.org 

·         Position Statement on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth, April 10, 1999 

q       Out Proud:  GLBT Student Bill of Rights (2003) – www.outproud.org 

q       PFLAG:  Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – www.pflag.org 

·         Be Yourself:  Questions & Answers for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Youth, 2002.

·         From Our House To The School House:  Families and Educators Partnering For Safe Schools

·         From Our House To The School House:  Tips For Professionals Who Work With GLBTQ Youth

·         Our Daughters and Sons:  Questions and Answers for Parents of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People, 1995 

q       Safe Schools Coalition – Resources including posters, stickers and cards supporting students and families.  A Family’s Guide To Handling Anit-Gay Harrassment  www.safeschoolscoalition.org/RG-posters.html  

q       Safe Zone Manual – Sacred Heart University WORD Doc 

q       The Safe Zone Foundation – Provides support and funding to non-profit organizations, community groups, and student organizations that serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.  www.safezonefoundation.tripod.com 

q       YouthResource:  A Project of Advocates for Youth – Resources on sexual health, coming out, everyday life and advocacy of youth. www.youthresources.com  

Women’s Issues             

q       The Committee of 200 - Teen Girls on Business: Are They Being Empowered: A National Survey from the Committee of 200 and Simmons College School of Management.  The Committee of 200:Women Redefining the Face of Business, October 2002 www.c200.org 

q       Peace Women Database – The Women’s international league for Peace and freedom (WILPF) provides a great database of organizations that are working internationally on issues concerning women and peace building and conflict transformation. www.peacewomen.org 

q       Women’s Educational Media – focused on the need to create schools and communities that are safe for all.  www.womedia.org / www.respectforall.org 

q       Women’s History Month  - http://www.nwhp.org 

Additional Resources 

q       AAUW (American Association of University Women):   The AAUW Educational foundation.  Publications including:  Harassment-Free Hallways - How to Stop Sexual Harassment in Schools: A Guide for Students, parents, and Schools.  AAUW also supports a variety of Grants and Fellowships including for model gender equity projects and school programs which advance gender equity.  www.aauw.org. 

q       ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) – The ACLU is the nations foremost advocate of individual rights – litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States.  www.aclu.org/issues/racial 

q       ASCA (American School Counselor Association):  Related resource links with topics including:  Bullying / Conflict Resolution, Character Development; Crisis / Trauma / Violence; Disabilities / Special Needs; and Diversity. www.schoolcounselor.org 

·          Special Issue:  Gender Matters, ASCA School Counselor, Vol. 42, Number 5, May / June 2003.

·          Myths and Multiculturalism, ASCA School Counselor, Vol. 42, Number 6, July / August 2003.

·          Assessing the Multicultural Competence of School Counselors – A Checklist, Professional School Counseling, The American School Counselor Association, Vol. 7, Number 3, February 2004.

·          Counseling African American Adolescents, Professional School Counseling, The American School Counselor Association, Vol. 7, Number 1, October 2003. 

q       ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) - ASCD has organized a varied network of professional learning communities.  The networks continue
the concept of collaboration, shared inquiry, continuous improvement, action orientation & experimentation, and results orientation - the basic tenets of a professional learning community on a broader scope.  Networks include Block and Alternative Scheduling, Brain Compatible Learning, Health in Education, Restructuring Schools, Environmental Education, Character Education, Hispanic / Latino American Critical Issues, Middle Grades, Women's Leadership Issues and a host of other topics! 

If you are interested in branching out across the country and the world to get a pulse on what's happening outside of Pennsylvania, please consider joining one of these networks.  The networks operate independently and may charge a small membership fee (normally tax deductible).  For a full
description of the networks, log on to the ASCD website at www.ascd.org Click on About ASCD and then click on Networks. 

q       College Board (www.collegeboard.com) Achieving Diversity in Higher Education – this resource on the College Board Website includes the topics: approaches, admissions, recruitment, selection, best practices, and evaluation. .  

q       ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center Database) – The largest source of educational information. Contains reports on topics of prime interest in education.  www.ed.gov/database/ERIC.  Also:  ASK ERIC – an Internet-based service including internet sites, educational organizations, and electronic discussion groups.  www.askeric.org 

q       NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) – At their 2003 Conference, NACAC (www.nacac.com/diversity.html) introduced a diversity plan as a companion to the new NACAC Strategic Plan – The Plan for Inclusion and Diversity.  A copy of the plan may be downloaded from the NACAC website.  Additional information is available from the NACAC Human Relations Committee.

q       National Education Association – Publication NEA Today. “Dilemma:  How Do You Respond To Religious Intolerance Among Students?” February 2004. www.nea.org/neatoday 

q       PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) - PHEAA produces a number of publications in both Spanish and English including:  First Generation a publication for the student who is the first in his/her family to go on to higher education; Going Places Parent’s Guide highlighting the steps parents can take now to insure their child is prepared for a successful future; and Moving Up a comprehensive financial aid handbook providing information for adult students.  www.pheaa.org / www.aesSuccess.org or www.educationplanner.org  

q       National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) - “The ABC’s of Early Awareness:  A Resource Guide and Toolkit for Helping Students Achieve a Higher Education” This publication contains resources counselors need to launch an effective early awareness program.  Project sponsored by the NASFAA Committee on Diversity and Multicultural Initiatives and the Education Resources Institute. For more information:  http://nasfaa.org/subhomes/abcs/index.html  

q       OCR (Office For Civil Rights) – www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr