As an educational community, our school has a responsibility to support our community of board members, parents/caregivers, teachers, staff and students in doing all we can to truly understand the history of racism in our country; the current manifestations of racism in our society and at OCS; to do the personal reflective work to confront our own biases; to have the difficult conversations; to celebrate black, indigenous, and people of color cultures; and to move forward in daily action. In short, we must review our practices and make adjustments to ensure they are reflecting antiracism.
As a public Waldorf school in Los Angeles in 2020, it is our job as Waldorf educators and families to do the work to find ways to actively work against racism with our students and with each other.
It should not be the responsibility of black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) to educate white people about institutionalized racism and oppression. It is time to recognize that we all have racial identities and that some of us are privileged as a result of our racial identity while others aren’t. As the Executive Directors at OCS and as two white women, we are committing to do the hard work for change in ourselves and with our school community because only then can OCS actually become a more just and equitable place for all our students.
The Diversity and Equity Committee of Ocean Charter School continues to outreach to diverse families in OCS-adjacent neighborhoods. The Diversity and Equity Committee meets regularly to work to create a rich and diverse learning experience for our children. If you are interested in participating in this vital effort, you are welcome to attend the next scheduled meeting.
Increasing diversity is a vital component to the OCS Charter (race, religion, gender identity, culture and learning needs). Therefore, The Diversity and Equity Committee of Ocean Charter School continues to outreach to encourage diverse enrollment and create a culture that supports the needs of our diverse school community. The Diversity and Equity Committee meets regularly to discuss issues concerning diversity and equity. We work Administration to create a rich and diverse educational experience for all students and their families.
Regularly Scheduled meetings are designed to inform, educate and engage parents in active participation in the future of Ocean Charter School. We come together Regularly to Discuss topics Such as : understanding Waldorf traditions, upcoming events, student needs, emerging issues concerning Diversity and Equity, cultural books and educational resources that match Waldorf traditions, and faculty updates on Diversity and Equity in the classroom.
See website calendar for meeting dates/times.
Diversity and Equity Representatives are needed for each classroom. If you are interested in becoming a Diversity and Equity Room Rep email Dominique DjeDje at dom.djedje@gmail.com.