District Diversity Programs That Work 
 

The following programs are examples of those occurring throughout the Commonwealth. The PSCA Diversity Taskforce encourages school counselors to share their district’s programs, projects, and initiatives.

 

Boyertown Area Unity Coalition / Boyertown Area School District, Boyertown, PA 19512 

            The mission of the BAUC is to “create and nurture a caring community climate in which respect for all persons young and old is cultivated and in which bigotry is rejected. The organization offers support for individuals who are / have been the target of an act of hate or intolerance. 

                Project Lemonade:  “Taking something bitter and turning it into something sweet.”  Taking its inspiration and name form Lindy and Bill seltzer’s effort to discourage Klan activity in Springfield Illinois, BAUC’s Project Lemonade seeks to counter hate groups and to promote diversity and tolerance within the Boyertown Area. The Project Lemonade mission is to turn about the Ku Klux Klan's public promotion of bigotry by using its own demonstrations as a vehicle to promote tolerance.  In effect, the Klan's and other organized hate groups' gatherings to recruit new members and promote their beliefs will instead become the focal point for public support of educational programs specifically designed to teach racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance.  The duration of each demonstration will determine how much money will be raised for the programs of such organizations as the NAACP, Southern Poverty Law Center, Anti-Defamation League, and the Boyertown Area Unity Coalition. Contact: Louse Doscow 215-234-8474 or contact the BAUC at 610-845-8999. www.boyertownuinitycoalition.org 

 

Great Valley School District, Malvern, PA 19320 

            Great Valley School District approved a Diversity policy in September 2000 “to increase understanding and tolerance of cultural and individual differences; to recognize, respect, and appreciate our global, national, and local diversity;  to make ongoing efforts to broaden the inclusive nature of our school community’ and to promote a richer, more inclusive curriculum at all levels. 

                As a result of the new policy, a Diversity Advisory Committee was created with representatives from parents, students, building representatives, administrators, community members, and 1 Board member to meet for two year terms.  The committee operates in an advisory capacity on diversity-related issues. As issues are generated, recommendations are made through the committee to the administration of the district.  The committee assists in assessing the effectiveness of existing district policies and procedures relating to diversity and providing a forum on diversity issues.

 

Kennett Consolidated School District, Kennett Square, PA 19348 

            Kennett High School sponsored its 2^nd Annual Multicultural Diversity Awareness Conference in April 2003.  The event included a day of stimulating workshops and presentations. “The purpose of the conference is to bring high school and college students, parents, and school personnel and people from other professions together to discuss important issues and topics related to the cultural and diversity differences and similarities that exit in society today.” 

                 The objectives of the conference:  To articulate experiences which have enhanced dignity and empowerment for all students, parents, and faculty; to share understanding and the various efforts that people have made to promote a more successful living environment for everyone;  to promote ideas and dynamics through which new approaches can be developed to address critical issues and situations; and to develop an association of people from many backgrounds, experiences and of similar interests and goals.  Contact information:  Mr. Ray Fernandez, Assistant Principal and Program Coordinator 610-444-6622.