Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
PTSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Read All About It!
See an interesting event? Please send it our way!
DEI Events: In the DEI section of the Weekly PTSA NewsWe hope you all have a peaceful and joyful summer
Please reach out if you have suggestions, questions, or would like to join us on the DEI Committee: DEIatBHS@gmail.com
Upcoming Events | Announcements
- June 22 – Youth Pride Disco (Lambert House, Free with suggested donation) “This dance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally (LGBTQ+) youth is planned by a committee of LGBTQ+ youth who began meeting weekly in early-April. The age range for our event is 13-22. Dressing up is encouraged, but not required. There will be youth in a range of attire from casual to semi-formal and formal wear. The event will feature a quiet room, friend-making activities, drag performances, and great music. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Youth will be able to register when they show up for the event.” Youth Pride Disco — Lambert House
- Check out the book “Parenting at the Intersections.” the Library Journal calls it “A necessary, engaging, educational, and eye-opening perspective, not often found, about parenting children of color with neurodivergence.” (highlighted by Seattle Special Education PTSA)
- Pollinator Path Exhibit Highlights Indigenous Knowledge | South Seattle Emerald Fun fact! Headwater People also worked on the design highlighting Indigenous history at Ballard Pagliacci’s (across from the Ballard Locks).
See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion? Please send it our way to DEIatBHS@gmail.com Thank you!
DEI Resources
- SPS Black Indians, African American History: A place of belonging. A true sense of home
- QPOC Hikers: Hikers based in the Pacific NW and exists to connect queer people of color with hiking and the outdoors.
- Up & Back: Outdoor solace for Seattle’s queer people of color
- Native and Strong Lifeline: 988 Crisis Line Support for Native Communities.
- UW: Get to Know the UW campus with Indigenous Walking Tour
- Seattle Histories: My Grandfather’s Queue – Front Porch
BHS PTSA DEI Committee Goals
We are excited to kick off another year of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts (or DEI) at Ballard High School! We want everyone to link arms towards creating a more welcoming, diversity-rich safe space here in our school community where everyone feels a greater sense of belonging, where everyone has a seat at the table, and where students’ and families’ unique cultural perspectives are valued.
Goals of DEI Committee
- Create a safe space for students and families in our BHS to discuss experiences and resources
- Provide and promote activities and enrichment experiences that elevate students and school families in our community, focusing on the information and skills necessary to improve equity
- Facilitate direct access to school administration, allowing better communication between families and school administration
- Advocate for and amplify diverse voices in the school community
At the January 2022 PTSA meeting, the Ballard PTSA adopted a resolution affirming the information in WSPTA Resolution 2.26, “Dismantling Institutional and Systemic Racism”. To view, open the Child Safety and Protection tab. This will guide the work and inform the DEI Committee’s future goals.
See an interesting event that celebrates Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion and you’d like to see it highlighted? Please send it our way! Thank you, Shelley Bolser at DEIatBHS@gmail.com
Restorative Practice Workshop Resources
The Ballard PTSA DEI Committee and Ballard High School hosted a very special event: Restorative Practice Workshop with national leaders RJOY (Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth). Our community came together for this workshop, including parents, students, and educators from Ballard High School and nearby schools. Together we learned about restorative justice work and practiced circle discussions. Ballard DEI Committee and BHS educators are excited to continue building on this effort with more events in the 2024-2025 school year!
2023 Follow Up Roosevelt High School
Beyond Black & White Film Screening Resources
On April 21, 2023, the DEI Committee hosted Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) for a community film screening and panel discussion of “Roosevelt High School: Beyond Black and White.”
RARE Resources
- View this film on the RARE website.
- Learn more about RARE’s work and events on the Open Discussions RARE site.
- Related Seattle Times Article: Seattle Schools chose integration. But then it fell apart. (may need subscription to read).