Amplifying Student Voice: Honest Discussions Working Toward an Inclusive School Environment
Student voices took center stage Monday at Fairfax High School, as about 120 students participated in a voluntary program aimed at identifying issues at school then working together to find solutions. In small groups, students discussed their school’s strengths, as well as concerns about the school environment. Diversity topped the list of strengths for nearly every group; but that diversity can also lead to problems, students said, including racial stereotyping, mental health issues, and body shaming.
“I think a lot of the problems come from a lack of understanding,” said senior Darwin Otchere. “Everything is about perspective. You don’t know why someone does something until you ask them. If we can build more understanding between each other, we can make the school a better place.”
The program, known as Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together (SPIRIT), is run by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service. Trained facilitators, who do not work for FCPS but are community members, led small groups of students through 90 minute discussions, encouraging open and honest dialogue.
“We had some really good conversations. It felt like a really safe space,” said senior Thandeka Muchemenyi. “Having this event here today means so much, because we’ve had discussions for years, but it's nice to see something actually being done.”
Acting Principal Maureen Keck says this program is just one step in an ongoing process of improving student experience and relationships. Fairfax HS is also in the process of forming a student stakeholder group to continue this work into next school year. That group will address the concerns raised during Monday’s program and work to implement solutions.
“I hope the students realize we want to hear their voice. I want them to know we hear them,” said Keck. “We need to have a school community where people feel welcome, safe, respected, and heard. In these discussions, we want to hear the good and the ugly. We can’t fix things if we don’t know what’s out there. So these tough conversations are necessary.”
Students who signed up for the program were there for a number of reasons. Sarah Hegazy wants to have a say in what happens at her school and hopes for change. Micah Gillespie wants to get to know his fellow students and understand the problems they may be facing. Hank Hawkins is passionate about equity work and believes open discussions are helpful for all learning environments. Akanksha Padheriya, like many others, wants to see action-oriented steps forward.
“Over the last four years, I’ve seen Fairfax grow as a community and improve this conversation,” Padheriya said. “But now it's time to step it up and focus on programs and resources to facilitate a positive change.”
By the end of the program Monday, students agreed, more work needs to be done to educate the school community about the different races, religions, and lifestyles that are all a part of Fairfax HS. The goal is to have students lead the way in that education process.
“Obviously in one day you’re not going to find a solution for everything,” Keck said. “But there may be some things that they can find a solution to when they work together. The work will continue well after today.”
For more information about the School-SPIRIT program, visit the DOJ’s website.