Tulsa Public Schools launches second year of Exploring Equity conversations

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TULSA, Okla. – Building on the success of last spring’s Exploring Equity series, Tulsa Public Schools will continue these community conversations beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 5:15 p.m. at the Education Service Center located at 3027 S. New Haven Ave. This event will feature a screening of “13^th,” an award-winning documentary exploring the history and role of racial intolerance in the United States prison boom.

The Exploring Equity gatherings are designed to provide a space for Tulsans to explore and build greater understanding of diversity, justice, and tolerance. The series will again be facilitated by community leader and advocate Hannibal B. Johnson and will take place monthly through March 2018.

“Last year, Tulsans from all across the city came together to learn, engage, and explore ideas that matter. These conversations proved to be a powerful way to explore multiple perspectives and expand our understanding of experiences that are different from our own,” said Director of Organizational Learning and Equity Jamie Lomax. “We believe that creating opportunities and dismantling systemic inequity begins by looking critically at the forces at play in the lives of our children, our city, and our nation. Our Exploring Equity series is an important way for Tulsans to begin getting engaged in this critical work.”

The 2017-2018 Exploring Equity series includes:

Exploring Equity: Immigration/Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA)/ the Dream Act

Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., Selman Room at the Education Service Center

An expert panel explores current immigration-related issues, with a particular focus on DACA and The Dream Act.

Exploring Equity: the history of Tulsa Public Schools

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., Selman Room at the Education Service Center

A panel discussion exploring the origins of public education in Tulsa, Tulsa Public Schools as an entity, school desegregation, and present-day educational challenges.

Exploring Equity: the effects of trauma on learning

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at 5:30 p.m., location TBD

Exploring Equity: the Native American experience

Thursday, Mar. 8, 2018 at 5:30 p.m., Selman Room at the Education Service Center

An expert panel explores important issues relating to Native American identity, the Freedom citizenship controversy and the recent decision in Cherokee Nation vs. Nash.

Exploring Equity: 13^th will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. Dinner will be provided, and the screening will begin at 5:45 p.m. Space is limited, and attendees are asked to RSVP online or via email to westan@tulsaschool.org.