by Guy F. Smith
May 22, 2006

In the shadow of the nation’s Capitol in nearby Northern Virginia, Alexandria, population slightly over 128,000, has a school system of 11,000 public school students.

Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille on April 5 presided over a fifth Student Forum on Race and Culture, part of a series of school-wide programs designed to foster better understanding and communication across racial and cultural lines.

A city hall press release notes that there are 69 languages spoken and 88 countries represented in the public school population, a 2000 U.S. census figure.

To serve the whole community, both public and private schools participate in the forums. Students in grades 8 to 12 take part in planning the event, and identifying racial and cultural topics facing the community. Students also serve as dialogue facilitators.

“This program showcases our students’ ability to discuss maturely their concerns about race and culture,” said Euille, adding that the activity serves as a reminder that our youth are an intricate part of Alexandria’s future and need to be heard.

Last fall, the Forum preparations began by the identification and selection of 21 student representatives from all of the participating schools who would make up the planning committee. The planning committee was conducted by student leaders who were selected by the committee. These student leaders planned and executed the forum. Beginning January 19 through March 30, eleven planning meetings were held. These meetings were geared to the details of Forum participants conduct, subject matter to be discussed, student facilitators, and various supportive tasks toward the success of the event.

Each school principal identified and designated a faculty Student Forum coordinator for assuring diversity within the ranks of student participants, parental consent and disseminating Forum information to students.

The Student Planning Committee participated in a number of training sessions involving techniques in leading constructive dialogue, the organization of a forum, how to identify student with special talents in oratory skills, how to accomplish goals in committee work, and how to identify community problems having to do with race and culture. The students were also exposed to viewing constructive videos on race and cultural matters. Much of the impact in the meetings came from the students sharing personal experiences of ridicule, insults and rejection.

The Forum was divided into three sections: a plenary section; small group breakout and dialogue; and final report. During the plenary session, students discussed the following topics: College – Not for Everyone; Public and Private Schools Differences; and Influence of Hate. The students then broke out into small groups and discussed the following: Racial Division of Sports; Gang Influence on School and Community; Student/Teacher Relations; Racially Divided Music; Diversifying School Curriculum; Homosexuality in School; Stereotypes; Cliques; and Racially Divided Recreation Centers. The final reports from the small group discussions were presented by each group’s chosen spokesperson. A final report was completed with recommendations for the city and its school systems in regards to addressing the discussed issues.

For more information, contact Steven J. Mason, Special Assistant to the City Manager, at 703-838-3861.