by Phoenix Bedolla
When reflecting on why students thrive in school, there are many interpretations that immediately flock to mind. One that is especially vital and valuable to student success is their ability to function in a welcoming and accepting environment. To create an all-inclusive environment, acceptance must be extended to the entire student body to see true success. The Minarets campus houses various diverse groups, one of these being the LGBTQ+ community. An interview with the advisor of the Minarets GSA Club, teacher Mikendra McCoy, was conducted to discover new approaches in regards to creating such an environment.
What can we do to make a more all-inclusive environment?
When a student describes their pronouns to a teacher or another member of staff, it takes an immense amount of courage. McCoy believes that if all staff members make the extra effort to remember and respect that student’s pronouns, it will change the overall school environment for the better. Secondly, McCoy believes that LGBTQ+ history must be implemented into classroom curriculum, whether it be in Sex Ed, History, or any other subject that contains information about the LGBTQ+ community. Next, McCoy proposes that schools have designated safe-spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community on campus, emphasizing that her classroom is already a place of support and acceptance. Moreover, she believes that there would be exponential benefits to having an LGBTQ+ counselor on campus who can truly empathize with students and give them the advice they wish they were given.
How can people work on being more accepting?
The number one characteristic of becoming more accepting is to ask questions with the intent to learn, according to McCoy. Refrain from making morose comments, and, instead, ask questions and attempt to learn what you may not understand yet. Furthermore, McCoy believes LGBTQ+ information needs to be included on campus, specifically in the library so it is more accessible for any student who wants to learn. Following that, choose to show patience and understanding while learning; understanding something new is not always an easy experience.
These are all a few simple ways to practice acceptance and inclusivity, building a better environment here at Minarets