by Hazel Taintor
On Monday afternoon, Oct. 26, a few students from the junior class met virtually to discuss a number of practicalities involving a new club, which is planned to be up and running within the next few weeks.
The upcoming club is called Student Allies for Equity (S.A.F.E.). The club’s purpose will be to educate students on racism and cultural insensitivity that is being seen all around the world. But the club won’t just teach students about these topics. It serves another purpose as well. “Student Allies For Equity is dedicated to educating its peers on how to become anti-racist allies and speaking up against racially motivated discrimination and inequalities towards BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People Of Color),” says junior Jazmyn Evans, president of the club. S.A.F.E. won’t just teach its members about racism and cultural insensitivity; it will also equip the students to fight against them.
S.A.F.E. plans on executing this in many different ways, but the main method will be through guest speakers. “During meetings, students will watch videos pertaining to the cultures being focused on those weeks. [They] will spend time acquiring knowledge from guest speakers and partaking in guided discussion towards cultural sensitivity and equity,” says Evans. Evans and the other club officers feel that education is the best way to fight racism and cultural insensitivity today.
Some may ask why the club name contains the word “equity” and not “equality.” The club officers have explained why this is. Equality, by the dictionary definition, is “the state or quality of being equal” or of “uniform character.” Equity is defined as, “something that is fair and just.” In other words, equality is giving everyone the same thing, whereas equity caters to the specific needs of different people because it recognizes that they are all unique and, subsequently, have unique needs. By including equity, not equality, in their name, the club hopes to educate more people on the difference between the two.
The creation of the club is coming at a time in which many say it is desperately needed. Evans says, “S.A.F.E. is needed to bring education to its community and create allyship for everyone who stands against racism and wants to instill a change. Using our resources, we will start by bringing S.A.F.E. to our school, the next place we spend more time in than our homes.” Since the death of George Floyd in May and the protesting that has followed, there have been many other negative incidents that seem to be racially and culturally motivated. Many citizens across the country agree that change is long overdue, and S.A.F.E. feels that this change starts with education.
Although the details of the club have yet to be set in place (when meetings will be, who will guest speak, etc.), students will set plans in concrete within the next few weeks. The club’s board members also wanted to emphasize that the club is open for all students to join, especially those who may feel unsure or uncomfortable with the topics. Many welcome this club with open arms and are excited for its arrival.