Hot Topics: 2014

Diversity at Woodland High School

by Cynthia Brown

I am really excited about beginning a journalism program at Woodland High School.  Looking at the questionnaire by Sharon Bramlett-Solomon helped me to conclude that Woodland is in a good position when it comes to diversity initiatives.  The trick will come with trying to get people involved in journalism from the many diverse populations.

My principal has done a great job at making sure that all students have a voice through extra-curricular activities.  We have clubs for everything from hackensack to the step team.  Everyone has an opinion about how things should run at the school, but will they work hard to ensure that these choices are shared with everyone?  On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my school as a 9+.

Several of the diversity tips shared by Solomon will come in handy from the beginning.  Many conversations focus on the fact that students should get along; few discuss why diversity is important.  It is the responsibility of the student journalist to include diverse thoughts in the newspaper.

It will probably be a good idea if the program made a good attempt at getting people out of their comfort zone.  It will be easy to interview and write about the lacrosse team if the person is a member.  Learning will take place when the student interviews someone from a different background who is doing something that may appear foreign.  

Respect for social differences will be a large piece of the puzzle.  All ideas may be valuable; however, not all will appear in the publication.  Editors on all levels will need to learn how to tactfully allow students to grow without damaging their self-worth.

Cynthia Brown

Woodland High School

Stockbridge, Georgia