name a parent first. I didn't know he had been moved. name a parent first. I didn't know he had been moved. >> And I'll pull this So it know he had been moved. >> And I'll pull this So it you ahead. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. >> It is 5.30, and we will Good afternoon. >> It is 5.30, and we will call the meeting of the Equity >> It is 5.30, and we will call the meeting of the Equity Committee for April 3rd to call the meeting of the Equity Committee for April 3rd to board a you came into the Committee for April 3rd to board a you came into the room. You some. Some index
card and it and a pencil. So room. You some. Some index card and it and a pencil. So as you come up with some card and it and a pencil. So as you come up with some questions feel free to write as you come up with some questions feel free to write them on those index cards and questions feel free to write them on those index cards and we will collect them and bring them on those index cards and we will collect them and bring him up to the front to be we will collect them and bring him up to the front to be addressed. But we have public him up to the front to be addressed. But we have public comment. There's not a sheet, addressed. But we have public comment. There's not a sheet, but is that anyone who would comment. There's not a sheet, but is that anyone who would like to give public comment?
Okay. And again, fallout Okay. And again, fallout minutes. We have minutes from Okay. And again, fallout minutes. We have minutes from the February 6 meeting. minutes. We have minutes from the February 6 meeting. However. When I am the only the February 6 meeting. However. When I am the only school board member present. However. When I am the only school board member present. We don't vote. On those school board member present. We don't vote. On those minutes. So those monies will We don't vote. On those minutes. So those monies will be voted on at our May minutes. So those monies will be voted on at our May meeting. And May I share with be voted on at our May meeting. And May I share with you that in a May meeting. We meeting. And May I share with you that in a May meeting. We were asked. For anyone who can
give me some support. And plan were asked. For anyone who can give me some support. And plan an event. For Jewish Heritage give me some support. And plan an event. For Jewish Heritage Month. So I would need your an event. For Jewish Heritage Month. So I would need your help members of the committee. Month. So I would need your help members of the committee. So you did receive the minutes help members of the committee. So you did receive the minutes by way of e-mail, but we will So you did receive the minutes by way of e-mail, but we will not vote on them because of by way of e-mail, but we will not vote on them because of the absence of the other 2 not vote on them because of the absence of the other 2 school board members. So I the absence of the other 2 school board members. So I welcome you 2. The April school board members. So I welcome you 2. The April meeting of the Equity welcome you 2. The April meeting of the Equity Committee. What I'd like to do
before. We go to our panel. Committee. What I'd like to do before. We go to our panel. It's to ask you to take a look before. We go to our panel. It's to ask you to take a look at the sheet that was given to It's to ask you to take a look at the sheet that was given to you as you came in. That is at the sheet that was given to you as you came in. That is couldn't subcommittee results. you as you came in. That is couldn't subcommittee results. 2025 remember, we had 2 couldn't subcommittee results. 2025 remember, we had 2 subcommittee is one was to 2025 remember, we had 2 subcommittee is one was to address Pala says and one was subcommittee is one was to address Pala says and one was to address the charter. What I address Pala says and one was to address the charter. What I have passed out to you. All
the results of those to set have passed out to you. All the results of those to set committees. And while again, the results of those to set committees. And while again, we can't vote tonight because committees. And while again, we can't vote tonight because we don't have the school board we can't vote tonight because we don't have the school board member present. We will at we don't have the school board member present. We will at some point ask you to vote. member present. We will at some point ask you to vote. Supporting a good Those 2 some point ask you to vote. Supporting a good Those 2 subcommittee reports I think Supporting a good Those 2 subcommittee reports I think that we probably would do that
electronically before next that we probably would do that electronically before next meeting. So next meeting will electronically before next meeting. So next meeting will know which direction today. meeting. So next meeting will know which direction today. One of the things that the know which direction today. One of the things that the subcommittee on policy has One of the things that the subcommittee on policy has done. The Pala says that Helen subcommittee on policy has done. The Pala says that Helen Randolph passes out on sends done. The Pala says that Helen Randolph passes out on sends out to you every month. They Randolph passes out on sends out to you every month. They have been assistant and going out to you every month. They have been assistant and going through those palaces and have been assistant and going through those palaces and given the bat and that faith through those palaces and given the bat and that faith that goes to the school board
committee from home. That that goes to the school board committee from home. That policy originated. So. The S committee from home. That policy originated. So. The S backed committee and all of policy originated. So. The S backed committee and all of those committees have said to backed committee and all of those committees have said to me, Oh, Linda, thanks. We got those committees have said to me, Oh, Linda, thanks. We got on the policy is because we me, Oh, Linda, thanks. We got on the policy is because we always get feedback from CA on the policy is because we always get feedback from CA and we always get the bat. always get feedback from CA and we always get the bat. From a couple of people in the and we always get the bat. From a couple of people in the general public. Haven't fee From a couple of people in the general public. Haven't fee that from the Equity Committee general public. Haven't fee that from the Equity Committee makes those commit is feel that from the Equity Committee makes those commit is feel more comp. Half of it in makes those commit is feel more comp. Half of it in moving forward with the as
they have rewritten it as they moving forward with the as they have rewritten it as they have said it, delete it from they have rewritten it as they have said it, delete it from it. So policy committee, have said it, delete it from it. So policy committee, please keep doing that until it. So policy committee, please keep doing that until week. Get around to creating please keep doing that until week. Get around to creating the new chart. Please continue week. Get around to creating the new chart. Please continue to do that. And the the new chart. Please continue to do that. And the subcommittee on the charter. to do that. And the subcommittee on the charter. If you see here, this subcommittee on the charter. If you see here, this subcommittee has indicated If you see here, this subcommittee has indicated that because now we have a subcommittee has indicated that because now we have a full dei. It department that that because now we have a full dei. It department that may be the equity Committee is full dei. It department that may be the equity Committee is not needed. Neither can a
subcommittee are a committee. not needed. Neither can a subcommittee are a committee. Suspend. A school board subcommittee are a committee. Suspend. A school board committee dissolve, a school Suspend. A school board committee dissolve, a school board committed that has been committee dissolve, a school board committed that has been created by the school board. board committed that has been created by the school board. So until we can vote on this created by the school board. So until we can vote on this and take it to the full board, So until we can vote on this and take it to the full board, we will continue it to have and take it to the full board, we will continue it to have equity committee meetings. And we will continue it to have equity committee meetings. And if you put it on your equity committee meetings. And if you put it on your calendar, the first Thursday if you put it on your calendar, the first Thursday of each month, the first calendar, the first Thursday of each month, the first Thursday of May and the first of each month, the first Thursday of May and the first Thursday. And then we have a
recess in July and we start Thursday. And then we have a recess in July and we start back again in August. And then recess in July and we start back again in August. And then new members, of course, would back again in August. And then new members, of course, would be nominated and approved for. new members, of course, would be nominated and approved for. The new calendar year be nominated and approved for. The new calendar year beginning in January. The new calendar year beginning in January. According to the way the beginning in January. According to the way the policy written. If you have According to the way the policy written. If you have any additional motions that policy written. If you have any additional motions that you would like to add to the any additional motions that you would like to add to the sheet that I've given you you would like to add to the sheet that I've given you please feel free to send that
information. 2 Helen are please feel free to send that information. 2 Helen are coming. Helen was sent it to information. 2 Helen are coming. Helen was sent it to me and I will send it to coming. Helen was sent it to me and I will send it to Ellen. So if you have any me and I will send it to Ellen. So if you have any other. Thoughts and I have had Ellen. So if you have any other. Thoughts and I have had some thoughts with you here other. Thoughts and I have had some thoughts with you here today before the meeting. some thoughts with you here today before the meeting. Please send those thoughts so today before the meeting. Please send those thoughts so that we can. Entertain those Please send those thoughts so that we can. Entertain those thoughts at the same time that that we can. Entertain those thoughts at the same time that we take. A vote on on the thoughts at the same time that we take. A vote on on the results.
plenty of the sheet feel free plenty of the sheet feel free to right at the bottom of plenty of the sheet feel free to right at the bottom of sheet. If that and thought, to right at the bottom of sheet. If that and thought, yes, we can be saved them sheet. If that and thought, yes, we can be saved them today. sorry. Can prove it? I'm so sorry. Can prove it? I'm so sorry. Sorry about that. No sorry. Can prove it? I'm so sorry. Sorry about that. No ash or was essentially saying sorry. Sorry about that. No ash or was essentially saying they're one of the rationales ash or was essentially saying they're one of the rationales of the charter subcommittee to they're one of the rationales of the charter subcommittee to dissolve this equity committee
is because there is a dei dissolve this equity committee is because there is a dei board or department for La is because there is a dei board or department for La County Public Schools. board or department for La County Public Schools. >> And so my question was, how County Public Schools. >> And so my question was, how is that different from there >> And so my question was, how is that different from there be a special education is that different from there be a special education department is still having to be a special education department is still having to committee of stakeholders or department is still having to committee of stakeholders or get the department is still committee of stakeholders or get the department is still having a gifted committee of get the department is still having a gifted committee of stakeholders, etc cetera, having a gifted committee of stakeholders, etc cetera, cetera. The second question it stakeholders, etc cetera, cetera. The second question it sounds as if the policy cetera. The second question it sounds as if the policy coittee has been busy and so sounds as if the policy coittee has been busy and so one other 3rd potential motion coittee has been busy and so one other 3rd potential motion would be for this committee one other 3rd potential motion would be for this committee to. would be for this committee to. >> Take on the role what to. >> Take on the role what policy subcommittee is doing, >> Take on the role what policy subcommittee is doing, like that could be the purpose
of U.S. meeting going policies like that could be the purpose of U.S. meeting going policies and there may not be a need of U.S. meeting going policies and there may not be a need for a separate subcommittee to and there may not be a need for a separate subcommittee to do that. We're convening. We for a separate subcommittee to do that. We're convening. We can go through those pauses do that. We're convening. We can go through those pauses together and put for equity can go through those pauses together and put for equity committee recommendation for together and put for equity committee recommendation for for those policies which I committee recommendation for for those policies which I think several of us was for those policies which I think several of us was assuming that we're it was think several of us was assuming that we're it was going to be a role anyways. assuming that we're it was going to be a role anyways. >> Once we get a quorum so going to be a role anyways. >> Once we get a quorum so that we can vote yes to the >> Once we get a quorum so that we can vote yes to the subcommittee. Recommend that we can vote yes to the subcommittee. Recommend subcommittee's recommendation. subcommittee. Recommend subcommittee's recommendation. It would be an inch. Are subcommittee's recommendation. It would be an inch. Are commit is responsibility. For
example, you have to help me commit is responsibility. For example, you have to help me is CA. They take the policies example, you have to help me is CA. They take the policies and they bring them to the is CA. They take the policies and they bring them to the full committee. Right? Okay. and they bring them to the full committee. Right? Okay. Yes, it would the same way and full committee. Right? Okay. Yes, it would the same way and because we have not been that Yes, it would the same way and because we have not been that here too full. We will have to because we have not been that here too full. We will have to vote and then get to that here too full. We will have to vote and then get to that point of bringing it to the vote and then get to that point of bringing it to the whole committee. point of bringing it to the whole committee. >> Yeah. So as Doctor
suspension, so one of the >> Yeah. So as Doctor suspension, so one of the reasons sometimes that we do suspension, so one of the reasons sometimes that we do that and subcommittee and then reasons sometimes that we do that and subcommittee and then bring it to the full committee that and subcommittee and then bring it to the full committee to have additional discussion bring it to the full committee to have additional discussion about the policy to have additional discussion about the policy recommendations is that a lot about the policy recommendations is that a lot of times we're going to like recommendations is that a lot of times we're going to like the law and the legal of times we're going to like the law and the legal references and gather all that the law and the legal references and gather all that stuff which research to do and references and gather all that stuff which research to do and so forth. Then we bring it to stuff which research to do and so forth. Then we bring it to the full committee and the so forth. Then we bring it to the full committee and the full committee has a full the full committee and the full committee has a full discussion about the policy. full committee has a full discussion about the policy. So it's not sort of presented discussion about the policy. So it's not sort of presented as this is the recommendation. So it's not sort of presented as this is the recommendation. It's just hey, we've done all as this is the recommendation. It's just hey, we've done all the research as a It's just hey, we've done all the research as a subcommittee. Here's all the the research as a subcommittee. Here's all the information we discuss. It is subcommittee. Here's all the information we discuss. It is a full committee and then the
full committee is what a full committee and then the full committee is what actually submits full committee is what actually submits recommendations to the school actually submits recommendations to the school board. So would always sort of recommendations to the school board. So would always sort of past that filter and reason to board. So would always sort of past that filter and reason to have that subcommittee would past that filter and reason to have that subcommittee would be build a do that outside have that subcommittee would be build a do that outside research an gather all the be build a do that outside research an gather all the supporting information and research an gather all the supporting information and documentation and those kind supporting information and documentation and those kind of things. Dr King's I know documentation and those kind of things. Dr King's I know that can submit motions to you of things. Dr King's I know that can submit motions to you and to Helen, which I that can submit motions to you and to Helen, which I certainly plan to do. and to Helen, which I certainly plan to do. >> But one of those motions certainly plan to do. >> But one of those motions would be, as I would like a >> But one of those motions would be, as I would like a vote count from that would be, as I would like a vote count from that subcommittee on that vote count from that subcommittee on that particular issues that they subcommittee on that particular issues that they raised.
>> Okay. Thank discussion point. I'm pretty discussion point. I'm pretty I'm very concerned about the discussion point. I'm pretty I'm very concerned about the quorum that's going to be I'm very concerned about the quorum that's going to be needed to vote. Its been quorum that's going to be needed to vote. Its been difficult over the last time. needed to vote. Its been difficult over the last time. A charter member of this difficult over the last time. A charter member of this equity committee. And it's A charter member of this equity committee. And it's been difficult. I think over equity committee. And it's been difficult. I think over the last 2 years to establish been difficult. I think over the last 2 years to establish a quorum, why is because we the last 2 years to establish a quorum, why is because we can't became so large. We a quorum, why is because we can't became so large. We almost doubled in size. I
don't know if there was almost doubled in size. I don't know if there was anything in the charter or the don't know if there was anything in the charter or the rules that said you had to anything in the charter or the rules that said you had to attend or you're gone or or rules that said you had to attend or you're gone or or something like that. But as attend or you're gone or or something like that. But as you there are many members of something like that. But as you there are many members of the Equity committee that you there are many members of the Equity committee that haven't attended one meeting the Equity committee that haven't attended one meeting since their appointment. So I haven't attended one meeting since their appointment. So I before we go to vote, I think since their appointment. So I before we go to vote, I think we need to review the current before we go to vote, I think we need to review the current list of equity committee we need to review the current list of equity committee members. And if they have not list of equity committee members. And if they have not been in attendance, that they members. And if they have not been in attendance, that they should not count against the been in attendance, that they should not count against the Koran. Jerry, you would have
that attendants information Koran. Jerry, you would have that attendants information right for me. OK? And in that attendants information right for me. OK? And in response to your question, right for me. OK? And in response to your question, there were 3 subcommittee response to your question, there were 3 subcommittee members who who met 2 there were 3 subcommittee members who who met 2 different times to make that members who who met 2 different times to make that decision on. Make that different times to make that decision on. Make that recommendation. On the decision on. Make that recommendation. On the charter. They were only 3 recommendation. On the charter. They were only 3 people. Came in to meet. charter. They were only 3 people. Came in to meet. Any of that writing in
substantial. Just make a note, of that writing in substantial. Just make a note, I've been here since our substantial. Just make a note, I've been here since our committee was prepared. I've been here since our committee was prepared. >> I think we have a little committee was prepared. >> I think we have a little Eric member me says 2 meetings >> I think we have a little Eric member me says 2 meetings and he's not in the coming to Eric member me says 2 meetings and he's not in the coming to a gap. So there's been a and he's not in the coming to a gap. So there's been a policy out on the front in a gap. So there's been a policy out on the front in affected. And I think a policy out on the front in affected. And I think a majority. But the planning and affected. And I think a majority. But the planning and assessment of the committee majority. But the planning and assessment of the committee that met, but those notes but assessment of the committee that met, but those notes but not exchange with other that met, but those notes but not exchange with other people. So they don't know not exchange with other people. So they don't know what is going on. I'm going to people. So they don't know what is going on. I'm going to so. There's a little bit of what is going on. I'm going to so. There's a little bit of vacuum in the communication. so. There's a little bit of vacuum in the communication. believe.
>> Any other food that? I just >> Any other food that? I just said? Well, closer to hear >> Any other food that? I just said? Well, closer to hear what he was saying. Any other said? Well, closer to hear what he was saying. Any other food bank. what he was saying. Any other food bank. >> tough job and you're doing food bank. >> tough job and you're doing a great job. Thank you. Yes. >> tough job and you're doing a great job. Thank you. Yes. Does that deserve throughout a great job. Thank you. Yes. Does that deserve throughout this service knuckleball? Does that deserve throughout this service knuckleball? telling about mistake about
just have an open question. So just have an open question. So I heard on the news today. just have an open question. So I heard on the news today. Every school district in the I heard on the news today. Every school district in the country had 10 days to sign. Every school district in the country had 10 days to sign. Something that says they have country had 10 days to sign. Something that says they have eliminated dei efforts, Something that says they have eliminated dei efforts, efforts. eliminated dei efforts, efforts. >> I'm wondering because we do efforts. >> I'm wondering because we do have a member of our diversity >> I'm wondering because we do have a member of our diversity equity committee here. have a member of our diversity equity committee here. >> And is the commitment to equity committee here. >> And is the commitment to still stands strong and in >> And is the commitment to still stands strong and in Loudoun County Public Schools, still stands strong and in Loudoun County Public Schools, commitment to And if federal Loudoun County Public Schools, commitment to And if federal funds are pulled is the
Loudoun counties government funds are pulled is the Loudoun counties government willing to step in to fill Loudoun counties government willing to step in to fill that? That lack of funding. willing to step in to fill that? That lack of funding. I'm hearing that they are. But that? That lack of funding. I'm hearing that they are. But are we not signing that I'm hearing that they are. But are we not signing that letter? And are we still are we not signing that letter? And are we still committed to our diversity letter? And are we still committed to our diversity equity? And inclusion efforts? committed to our diversity equity? And inclusion efforts? >> So birth, thank you for the equity? And inclusion efforts? >> So birth, thank you for the question. I think in real time >> So birth, thank you for the question. I think in real time as we're getting information question. I think in real time as we're getting information on a consistent basis about as we're getting information on a consistent basis about certain aspects of what the on a consistent basis about certain aspects of what the federal government will do
light of school divisions are federal government will do light of school divisions are school systems still have light of school divisions are school systems still have programs. The best. The one school systems still have programs. The best. The one thing that we do always have programs. The best. The one thing that we do always have to remember is that we need to thing that we do always have to remember is that we need to define what they mean by the to remember is that we need to define what they mean by the programs and call it, you define what they mean by the programs and call it, you know, every correlated to programs and call it, you know, every correlated to what? Our current school know, every correlated to what? Our current school division deems as dei what? Our current school division deems as dei programs. That's that's the division deems as dei programs. That's that's the first thing. And then programs. That's that's the first thing. And then secondly, we very fortunate to first thing. And then secondly, we very fortunate to have a super into that's secondly, we very fortunate to have a super into that's committed. 2 maintaining
department division and the committed. 2 maintaining department division and the work that that takes place. department division and the work that that takes place. The entire school division. work that that takes place. The entire school division. It's not just this one to put The entire school division. It's not just this one to put division. I want to make sure It's not just this one to put division. I want to make sure everybody understands that division. I want to make sure everybody understands that that it's not just this one everybody understands that that it's not just this one division that's doing this that it's not just this one division that's doing this work. It's it is a considered division that's doing this work. It's it is a considered concerted effort. And we have work. It's it is a considered concerted effort. And we have foundational documents that concerted effort. And we have foundational documents that that really speaks to our foundational documents that that really speaks to our commitment to equity as a that really speaks to our commitment to equity as a school division for all commitment to equity as a school division for all students. Right? And so I school division for all students. Right? And so I think that that's another students. Right? And so I think that that's another thing to keep in mind as these think that that's another thing to keep in mind as these things roll out there there. thing to keep in mind as these things roll out there there. There could be a response. And
so I would say just stay tuned There could be a response. And so I would say just stay tuned to our communications so I would say just stay tuned to our communications department may do. And adopt a to our communications department may do. And adopt a Bergen and in the cabin and department may do. And adopt a Bergen and in the cabin and the superintendent, we're Bergen and in the cabin and the superintendent, we're always speaking about these the superintendent, we're always speaking about these things. So just a tune. But as always speaking about these things. So just a tune. But as of today, reading reading that things. So just a tune. But as of today, reading reading that same information in real time. of today, reading reading that same information in real time. That would be the response same information in real time. That would be the response that would be able to share That would be the response that would be able to share with you right now. that would be able to share with you right now. >> And can repeat something with you right now. >> And can repeat something that the superintendent said >> And can repeat something that the superintendent said he said that week. It's such a
small percentage directly from he said that week. It's such a small percentage directly from the federal government that we small percentage directly from the federal government that we should be okay if it comes to the federal government that we should be okay if it comes to that. Okay. Any other the should be okay if it comes to that. Okay. Any other the input that we can put in the that. Okay. Any other the input that we can put in the minutes? to give you. Some information. to give you. Some information. Appreciation Month. And then
you may have some questions Appreciation Month. And then you may have some questions from that presentation. And if you may have some questions from that presentation. And if so, then we would be happy to from that presentation. And if so, then we would be happy to pass the mic and get so, then we would be happy to pass the mic and get additional questions. You do pass the mic and get additional questions. You do have index call. You can write additional questions. You do have index call. You can write your questions that. If you have index call. You can write your questions that. If you would like to do about way of your questions that. If you would like to do about way of the microphone, we can do that would like to do about way of the microphone, we can do that as well. >> Thank you, Doctor Dean's, >> Thank you, Doctor Dean's, thank you. Dr Thank you. That >> Thank you, Doctor Dean's, thank you. Dr Thank you. That county school Board and
administration, thank to county school Board and administration, thank to change a for everything that administration, thank to change a for everything that you all do the appreciate it. change a for everything that you all do the appreciate it. We also want to thank you all you all do the appreciate it. We also want to thank you all for recognizing Arab American We also want to thank you all for recognizing Arab American Heritage Month and advocating for recognizing Arab American Heritage Month and advocating for that as well. Americans Heritage Month and advocating for that as well. Americans have played a vital role to be for that as well. Americans have played a vital role to be into the American culture and have played a vital role to be into the American culture and way of life. For example, this into the American culture and way of life. For example, this iPhone that I'm kind of way of life. For example, this iPhone that I'm kind of reading some. I know it's from iPhone that I'm kind of reading some. I know it's from it's just great by Apple and reading some. I know it's from it's just great by Apple and the founder the co-founders of it's just great by Apple and the founder the co-founders of Apple, Steve Jobs. His father
was a Syrian is from Syria Apple, Steve Jobs. His father was a Syrian is from Syria should say so that makes them was a Syrian is from Syria should say so that makes them an Arab-American. For example, should say so that makes them an Arab-American. For example, heavy who built Ford Motor an Arab-American. For example, heavy who built Ford Motor Company, the employees that he heavy who built Ford Motor Company, the employees that he used. They were from Yemen and Company, the employees that he used. They were from Yemen and also from Lebanon as well. So used. They were from Yemen and also from Lebanon as well. So when you look at the early also from Lebanon as well. So when you look at the early Ford cars, they were built by when you look at the early Ford cars, they were built by immigrants from Yemen and then Ford cars, they were built by immigrants from Yemen and then them about. So these are just immigrants from Yemen and then them about. So these are just examples of. The fabric to air
Americans or able to will and examples of. The fabric to air Americans or able to will and themselves into something Americans or able to will and themselves into something called Americana for the most themselves into something called Americana for the most part. Air Americans have been called Americana for the most part. Air Americans have been in the United States of they part. Air Americans have been in the United States of they say since the or the in the United States of they say since the or the >> a late 19th century, they say since the or the >> a late 19th century, they came in and usually they came >> a late 19th century, they came in and usually they came in as laborers and farmers. came in and usually they came in as laborers and farmers. These mainly settled in the in as laborers and farmers. These mainly settled in the Midwest and and the northeast These mainly settled in the Midwest and and the northeast of the oldest mosque and the Midwest and and the northeast of the oldest mosque and the United States happens to be to of the oldest mosque and the United States happens to be to wrap its Iowa. And there's a United States happens to be to wrap its Iowa. And there's a huge amount of air American
community Durham, Michigan, huge amount of air American community Durham, Michigan, today that stretches for 5 community Durham, Michigan, today that stretches for 5 generations. Now. The reason today that stretches for 5 generations. Now. The reason why they came for like any generations. Now. The reason why they came for like any other immigrant that came here why they came for like any other immigrant that came here to seek a new opportunities of other immigrant that came here to seek a new opportunities of from wherever they were. This to seek a new opportunities of from wherever they were. This is the land of opportunities. from wherever they were. This is the land of opportunities. So we're a melting pot of is the land of opportunities. So we're a melting pot of immigrants from different So we're a melting pot of immigrants from different parts of the world. Like most immigrants from different parts of the world. Like most American might like most parts of the world. Like most American might like most immigrants. I mean, they were American might like most immigrants. I mean, they were successful. Stories are also, immigrants. I mean, they were successful. Stories are also, you know, things that were not
so nice as well. The movie you know, things that were not so nice as well. The movie when they came here like all so nice as well. The movie when they came here like all other immigrants days of when they came here like all other immigrants days of experience in a phobia, they other immigrants days of experience in a phobia, they experienced, I'm scared. Just experience in a phobia, they experienced, I'm scared. Just come a nation and suppression experienced, I'm scared. Just come a nation and suppression due to the ethnic background come a nation and suppression due to the ethnic background or language barrier. due to the ethnic background or language barrier. Nonetheless, they left an or language barrier. Nonetheless, they left an everlasting mark to this day. Nonetheless, they left an everlasting mark to this day. So with me, I've got to everlasting mark to this day. So with me, I've got to presenters We're going to So with me, I've got to presenters We're going to speak for about 15 minutes. presenters We're going to speak for about 15 minutes. It's been an look how should speak for about 15 minutes. It's been an look how should never American educator It's been an look how should never American educator research in the field of never American educator research in the field of Middle East and Islamic research in the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies. She currently teaches
and its for the U.S. Studies. She currently teaches and its for the U.S. government. She's a proud and its for the U.S. government. She's a proud parent and a student at LCPS. government. She's a proud parent and a student at LCPS. She's as SEC, delicate chair parent and a student at LCPS. She's as SEC, delicate chair of the loud and chapter of the She's as SEC, delicate chair of the loud and chapter of the Arab-American and tied of the loud and chapter of the Arab-American and tied discrimination Committee and Arab-American and tied discrimination Committee and also with her call. Her is discrimination Committee and also with her call. Her is Samantha's. A Bowie. She's also with her call. Her is Samantha's. A Bowie. She's never American Exective Samantha's. A Bowie. She's never American Exective director of a local nonprofit never American Exective director of a local nonprofit that advocates for immigrants director of a local nonprofit that advocates for immigrants and they just she's a former that advocates for immigrants and they just she's a former LCPS student now a proud mom. and they just she's a former LCPS student now a proud mom. And I'll give it it. Samantha, LCPS student now a proud mom. And I'll give it it. Samantha, Go first. Okay.
>> Hello, everybody. me to Go first. Okay. >> Hello, everybody. me to stand up what it was easy. >> Hello, everyone. Thank you >> Hello, everyone. Thank you for the introduction. 500. >> Hello, everyone. Thank you for the introduction. 500. Thank you all for having us for the introduction. 500. Thank you all for having us here. My name is to make this Thank you all for having us here. My name is to make this a bowling as you just heard. here. My name is to make this a bowling as you just heard. Palestinian Iranian American. a bowling as you just heard. Palestinian Iranian American. And my heritage, although they
are just 8 Palestinian, And my heritage, although they are just 8 Palestinian, Iranian have a lot for lots are just 8 Palestinian, Iranian have a lot for lots and the experience. But today Iranian have a lot for lots and the experience. But today I'm here as an Arab-American and the experience. But today I'm here as an Arab-American and my Arab lineage started I'm here as an Arab-American and my Arab lineage started here. At the Arab American and my Arab lineage started here. At the Arab American lineage my family started here here. At the Arab American lineage my family started here in the 1920's and the 1920's, lineage my family started here in the 1920's and the 1920's, my great grandfather and in the 1920's and the 1920's, my great grandfather and grandmother came. And my great my great grandfather and grandmother came. And my great grandfather served in the army grandmother came. And my great grandfather served in the army here. Unfortunately at the grandfather served in the army here. Unfortunately at the time medical advancements were here. Unfortunately at the time medical advancements were not that great. So he died at time medical advancements were not that great. So he died at early age due to pneumonia and not that great. So he died at early age due to pneumonia and is buried in Arlington
Cemetery. At the time. My is buried in Arlington Cemetery. At the time. My grandmother was pregnant and Cemetery. At the time. My grandmother was pregnant and she had 2 toddlers. So do to grandmother was pregnant and she had 2 toddlers. So do to her traditional bringing in she had 2 toddlers. So do to her traditional bringing in the Christian faith. She her traditional bringing in the Christian faith. She decided to go back home. So the Christian faith. She decided to go back home. So she took her 4 year-old her 2 decided to go back home. So she took her 4 year-old her 2 year-old and her soon-to-be she took her 4 year-old her 2 year-old and her soon-to-be born child back home where year-old and her soon-to-be born child back home where they were raised tell my born child back home where they were raised tell my grandfather turned 16. And he they were raised tell my grandfather turned 16. And he decide to come back. He was grandfather turned 16. And he decide to come back. He was American citizen after all.
And he came back with his American citizen after all. And he came back with his brother who was 14, the 2 of And he came back with his brother who was 14, the 2 of them alone and when after the brother who was 14, the 2 of them alone and when after the American dream, they started them alone and when after the American dream, they started washing rugs and Mount Vernon American dream, they started washing rugs and Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria and washing rugs and Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria and established a business that is Avenue in Alexandria and established a business that is still around today. And my established a business that is still around today. And my grandmother. Came in the still around today. And my grandmother. Came in the 1960's. She came as and as a grandmother. Came in the 1960's. She came as and as a young adults soon married my 1960's. She came as and as a young adults soon married my grandfather and had 3 young adults soon married my grandfather and had 3 children. One of which is my grandfather and had 3 children. One of which is my mother. My mother was born. My
grandmother had only been here mother. My mother was born. My grandmother had only been here for 18 months. So she did not grandmother had only been here for 18 months. So she did not speak English. My mother's for 18 months. So she did not speak English. My mother's first language was Arabic when speak English. My mother's first language was Arabic when she went to school. She was. first language was Arabic when she went to school. She was. So surprised because she did she went to school. She was. So surprised because she did not speak English and at the So surprised because she did not speak English and at the time and the 70's early 70's, not speak English and at the time and the 70's early 70's, it was not a very friendly time and the 70's early 70's, it was not a very friendly environment for someone who it was not a very friendly environment for someone who didn't speak English. So environment for someone who didn't speak English. So because she is that she's shy didn't speak English. So because she is that she's shy person. She did not speak at because she is that she's shy person. She did not speak at school until 3rd grade. And
that stayed with her. And that school until 3rd grade. And that stayed with her. And that cars to block for her with that stayed with her. And that cars to block for her with with the language of Arabic. cars to block for her with with the language of Arabic. So she lost her Arabic. She with the language of Arabic. So she lost her Arabic. She never taught us pic. And it's So she lost her Arabic. She never taught us pic. And it's something that I've really it never taught us pic. And it's something that I've really it hurts me like I know it hurts something that I've really it hurts me like I know it hurts her, but it hurts me, right, hurts me like I know it hurts her, but it hurts me, right, because it never got to us. her, but it hurts me, right, because it never got to us. Having said that. I I don't because it never got to us. Having said that. I I don't want to say that heritage is Having said that. I I don't want to say that heritage is on the language, right? want to say that heritage is on the language, right? Because my hair, too, just on the language, right? Because my hair, too, just much more than knowing Arabic.
I consider myself an Arab much more than knowing Arabic. I consider myself an Arab American because the food that I consider myself an Arab American because the food that I eat tells the story of where American because the food that I eat tells the story of where I'm from. The songs that I I eat tells the story of where I'm from. The songs that I sing and the stories that I I'm from. The songs that I sing and the stories that I read to my children are all sing and the stories that I read to my children are all stories that came from my read to my children are all stories that came from my family. And each one of us stories that came from my family. And each one of us kind of have that story right? family. And each one of us kind of have that story right? What we're exposed to as kind of have that story right? What we're exposed to as children, then influences who What we're exposed to as children, then influences who we are in our in our lives. children, then influences who we are in our in our lives. And even now that I'm trying we are in our in our lives. And even now that I'm trying to plant a garden and failing. And even now that I'm trying to plant a garden and failing. But the plants that I choose
come from the heritage of the But the plants that I choose come from the heritage of the food that I we make. So I just come from the heritage of the food that I we make. So I just wanted to highlight that and food that I we make. So I just wanted to highlight that and talk a little bit more about wanted to highlight that and talk a little bit more about what that was like for me as talk a little bit more about what that was like for me as an LCPS student. Never what that was like for me as an LCPS student. Never volunteered the information of an LCPS student. Never volunteered the information of who I was right. I just went volunteered the information of who I was right. I just went to school. If someone asked who I was right. I just went to school. If someone asked like, Hey, you speak Spanish to school. If someone asked like, Hey, you speak Spanish now. If it ever did come up, like, Hey, you speak Spanish now. If it ever did come up, who I was. It's and so I
didn't really offer that who I was. It's and so I didn't really offer that information. time I remember, didn't really offer that information. time I remember, I said it and they said, oh, information. time I remember, I said it and they said, oh, really, you don't look like us I said it and they said, oh, really, you don't look like us and and word. it's it was a really, you don't look like us and and word. it's it was a lot for me to grow up. In the and and word. it's it was a lot for me to grow up. In the in the schools with this with lot for me to grow up. In the in the schools with this with this heritage and for me at in the schools with this with this heritage and for me at its it really shaped who I am this heritage and for me at its it really shaped who I am today and also the path that I its it really shaped who I am today and also the path that I chose. I then went on to today and also the path that I chose. I then went on to study. I went I graduated from
Virginia Tech and I studied at study. I went I graduated from Virginia Tech and I studied at international politics and Virginia Tech and I studied at international politics and policies and global international politics and policies and global development. I learned a lot policies and global development. I learned a lot about the world and about development. I learned a lot about the world and about myself and about the coaches about the world and about myself and about the coaches that I came from and other myself and about the coaches that I came from and other cultures around the world and that I came from and other cultures around the world and that continue to influence who cultures around the world and that continue to influence who I am. Going a little bit that continue to influence who I am. Going a little bit further back. I just want to I am. Going a little bit further back. I just want to say also I forgot to send it further back. I just want to say also I forgot to send it to Farhan said sorry, but I am say also I forgot to send it to Farhan said sorry, but I am SEC delegate as well. I also to Farhan said sorry, but I am SEC delegate as well. I also served on every American. And
I do a lot of things and I served on every American. And I do a lot of things and I serve on my sense PTA and all I do a lot of things and I serve on my sense PTA and all of this involvement in the serve on my sense PTA and all of this involvement in the community is what I learned of this involvement in the community is what I learned through my family because my community is what I learned through my family because my family was always committed to through my family because my family was always committed to service into their community. family was always committed to service into their community. As you heard my great service into their community. As you heard my great grandfather served this As you heard my great grandfather served this country in the in the Army. My grandfather served this country in the in the Army. My grandfather did as well. And country in the in the Army. My grandfather did as well. And in addition to that, my grandfather did as well. And in addition to that, my grandfather's actually a in addition to that, my grandfather's actually a living legend in Alexandria grandfather's actually a living legend in Alexandria and Alexandria, living legend living legend in Alexandria and Alexandria, living legend for helping to set up.
emergency responses at the for helping to set up. emergency responses at the time. And he did it and he emergency responses at the time. And he did it and he dedicated his life to. The time. And he did it and he dedicated his life to. The Lions Club, helping with dedicated his life to. The Lions Club, helping with vision and hearing screening Lions Club, helping with vision and hearing screening for children because my family vision and hearing screening for children because my family also has a lineage deafness. for children because my family also has a lineage deafness. Hard of hearing. So he also has a lineage deafness. Hard of hearing. So he believes that each child Hard of hearing. So he believes that each child should have the opportunity to believes that each child should have the opportunity to be identified with these should have the opportunity to be identified with these things and given the support be identified with these things and given the support that they need. And most of things and given the support that they need. And most of all. I'd like to highlight that they need. And most of all. I'd like to highlight that my family was very
religious. My family comes that my family was very religious. My family comes from one of the first religious. My family comes from one of the first Christians from the original from one of the first Christians from the original Christian Christians. And my Christians from the original Christian Christians. And my family is now kite. Now, Kate Christian Christians. And my family is now kite. Now, Kate is kind of church in between family is now kite. Now, Kate is kind of church in between the Orthodox Church and the is kind of church in between the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. It's actually the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. It's actually in union with Rome. But then I Catholic Church. It's actually in union with Rome. But then I asked itself is more like the in union with Rome. But then I asked itself is more like the Orthodox. It's. And we have an asked itself is more like the Orthodox. It's. And we have an al Qaeda church here in Orthodox. It's. And we have an al Qaeda church here in Virginia. It's actually in al Qaeda church here in Virginia. It's actually in Tysons and McLean, right by
Tysons Corner. And my Tysons and McLean, right by Tysons Corner. And my grandfather actually found at Tysons Corner. And my grandfather actually found at that church. So that's a grandfather actually found at that church. So that's a little bit about me and my and that church. So that's a little bit about me and my and my heritage. And so with that, little bit about me and my and my heritage. And so with that, I'm going to pass it over to my heritage. And so with that, I'm going to pass it over to Ben. Then to talk a little bit I'm going to pass it over to Ben. Then to talk a little bit more. About hers. Samantha. Thank you. think to Samantha. Thank you. think to the Equity Committee for Samantha. Thank you. think to the Equity Committee for inviting us. It is a true the Equity Committee for inviting us. It is a true honor. Especially on Arab
American Heritage Month. As honor. Especially on Arab American Heritage Month. As you know, April has been American Heritage Month. As you know, April has been declared American heritage you know, April has been declared American heritage month's for at least 3, 4 declared American heritage month's for at least 3, 4 years in Virginia and by the month's for at least 3, 4 years in Virginia and by the federal government, the State years in Virginia and by the federal government, the State Department and the White House federal government, the State Department and the White House declaring celebrating Arab Department and the White House declaring celebrating Arab American Heritage Month every declaring celebrating Arab American Heritage Month every year in April. To kind of American Heritage Month every year in April. To kind of juxtapose with Samantha Story. year in April. To kind of juxtapose with Samantha Story. Have a very different juxtapose with Samantha Story. Have a very different experience as an Have a very different experience as an Arab-American. I'm a first experience as an Arab-American. I'm a first generation Arab American. I am Arab-American. I'm a first generation Arab American. I am Muslim. I know I grew up in generation Arab American. I am Muslim. I know I grew up in Jordan. My family is still
back home. And Jordan we came Jordan. My family is still back home. And Jordan we came here in the good days of the back home. And Jordan we came here in the good days of the late 90's. And as soon and here in the good days of the late 90's. And as soon and high and I went to high school late 90's. And as soon and high and I went to high school right down the street in high and I went to high school right down the street in Herndon. And as soon as I right down the street in Herndon. And as soon as I began adjusting 9.11 happens Herndon. And as soon as I began adjusting 9.11 happens and the repercussions of 9.11, began adjusting 9.11 happens and the repercussions of 9.11, to the Arab American and and the repercussions of 9.11, to the Arab American and Muslim American community. Put to the Arab American and Muslim American community. Put me up front and center how I Muslim American community. Put me up front and center how I have my family identifies how me up front and center how I have my family identifies how we understand. Immigrant story
in America. The stereotypical we understand. Immigrant story in America. The stereotypical experience of what an Arab in America. The stereotypical experience of what an Arab American would look like. experience of what an Arab American would look like. Laborers are. Farmers are. American would look like. Laborers are. Farmers are. 7.11 owners or cab drivers. Laborers are. Farmers are. 7.11 owners or cab drivers. And I didn't understand it 7.11 owners or cab drivers. And I didn't understand it because my father was a And I didn't understand it because my father was a scholar. My father was a because my father was a scholar. My father was a university professor who scholar. My father was a university professor who taught scholars from all over university professor who taught scholars from all over the world. I grew up in a very taught scholars from all over the world. I grew up in a very academic household. My mom's a the world. I grew up in a very academic household. My mom's a linguist, my mom or the hijab. academic household. My mom's a linguist, my mom or the hijab. And she was a older lady. So
when I would walk around with And she was a older lady. So when I would walk around with her, people would just assume when I would walk around with her, people would just assume she wouldn't understand her, people would just assume she wouldn't understand English. But she was a she wouldn't understand English. But she was a linguist and she knew better English. But she was a linguist and she knew better English than most Americans at linguist and she knew better English than most Americans at the time. And so it's hard for English than most Americans at the time. And so it's hard for me as a young adult or even at the time. And so it's hard for me as a young adult or even at a young high school student to me as a young adult or even at a young high school student to understand how people perceive a young high school student to understand how people perceive me and how people perceive my understand how people perceive me and how people perceive my parents as well. Here I am me and how people perceive my parents as well. Here I am with a student elementary parents as well. Here I am with a student elementary school and I'm raising a with a student elementary school and I'm raising a second generation Arab school and I'm raising a second generation Arab American, an LCPS schools who
will be having a very American, an LCPS schools who will be having a very different experience than will be having a very different experience than mine. And so too kind of show different experience than mine. And so too kind of show just the different diversity mine. And so too kind of show just the different diversity of what we understand when we just the different diversity of what we understand when we say Arab Americans. Arab has of what we understand when we say Arab Americans. Arab has an identity, are people whole say Arab Americans. Arab has an identity, are people whole trace their heritage and their an identity, are people whole trace their heritage and their lineage to one of 22 Arabic trace their heritage and their lineage to one of 22 Arabic speaking countries. Including lineage to one of 22 Arabic speaking countries. Including countries like Jordan, Syria, speaking countries. Including countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Morocco, countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Morocco, North Africa lavonte and the Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Morocco, North Africa lavonte and the golf, including the Horn of North Africa lavonte and the golf, including the Horn of Africa, Somalia, Djibouti,
Sudan and Egypt. We Africa, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan and Egypt. We differentiate that from what Sudan and Egypt. We differentiate that from what Middle East run is because differentiate that from what Middle East run is because that includes Middle East, Middle East run is because that includes Middle East, North Africa, the Arab world, that includes Middle East, North Africa, the Arab world, including other countries, North Africa, the Arab world, including other countries, such as turkey, Iran, including other countries, such as turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and sometimes such as turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and sometimes Pakistan, which really expands Afghanistan, and sometimes Pakistan, which really expands that the concept of Pakistan, which really expands that the concept of ethnicities are within this that the concept of ethnicities are within this kind of fabric of identities ethnicities are within this kind of fabric of identities that we look at when we talk kind of fabric of identities that we look at when we talk about air up and we talk about that we look at when we talk about air up and we talk about Middle East run. When it comes about air up and we talk about Middle East run. When it comes to religion in. Of
Arab-Americans is hard to all to religion in. Of Arab-Americans is hard to all give an example exactly why. Arab-Americans is hard to all give an example exactly why. But the estimates say they give an example exactly why. But the estimates say they exceed about 4 million with But the estimates say they exceed about 4 million with over. 85 1% of them being U.S. exceed about 4 million with over. 85 1% of them being U.S. citizens and a lot of newer over. 85 1% of them being U.S. citizens and a lot of newer immigrants are still in the citizens and a lot of newer immigrants are still in the process legal migration. My immigrants are still in the process legal migration. My side. When it comes to process legal migration. My side. When it comes to religion at fun fact is that side. When it comes to religion at fun fact is that the overwhelming majority of religion at fun fact is that the overwhelming majority of Arab-Americans are actually the overwhelming majority of Arab-Americans are actually Christian exhibit a. There are Arab-Americans are actually Christian exhibit a. There are around. 65 1% of them are Christian exhibit a. There are around. 65 1% of them are Christians from different
denominations and really only Christians from different denominations and really only about 25% of them are Muslims. denominations and really only about 25% of them are Muslims. So when you meet an Arab and about 25% of them are Muslims. So when you meet an Arab and you just assume you're going So when you meet an Arab and you just assume you're going to say about last week, there you just assume you're going to say about last week, there is about 2 to 3 times chance to say about last week, there is about 2 to 3 times chance that they do not celebrate Eid is about 2 to 3 times chance that they do not celebrate Eid last week, but they're that they do not celebrate Eid last week, but they're probably going through Lent as last week, but they're probably going through Lent as we speak right now. And these probably going through Lent as we speak right now. And these demographics are likely to we speak right now. And these demographics are likely to change, especially with the demographics are likely to change, especially with the changing demographics of change, especially with the changing demographics of immigration patterns. In the changing demographics of immigration patterns. In the last 10 to 15 years, immigration patterns. In the last 10 to 15 years, immigration patterns tend to last 10 to 15 years, immigration patterns tend to follow. Conditions on the
ground in the world the follow. Conditions on the ground in the world the patterns of origins, what ground in the world the patterns of origins, what countries they come from of patterns of origins, what countries they come from of the purposes of migration the countries they come from of the purposes of migration the Poppy of the reasons for the purposes of migration the Poppy of the reasons for population movements. So while Poppy of the reasons for population movements. So while early migrants came in search population movements. So while early migrants came in search of economic stability or early migrants came in search of economic stability or opportunities in the early of economic stability or opportunities in the early 20th century, newer migrants, opportunities in the early 20th century, newer migrants, a lot of them immigrants tend 20th century, newer migrants, a lot of them immigrants tend to to come as a result of a lot of them immigrants tend to to come as a result of running away from wars or art to to come as a result of running away from wars or art facing persecution in their running away from wars or art facing persecution in their homelands or as direct result
of U.S. intervention in the homelands or as direct result of U.S. intervention in the region as well. But then we of U.S. intervention in the region as well. But then we talk about American Heritage region as well. But then we talk about American Heritage Month and we say what are the talk about American Heritage Month and we say what are the contributions of Month and we say what are the contributions of Arab-Americans are Arabs to contributions of Arab-Americans are Arabs to the world? We're gonna share a Arab-Americans are Arabs to the world? We're gonna share a little irony here is that we the world? We're gonna share a little irony here is that we very commonly talk about the little irony here is that we very commonly talk about the iPhone and we talk about Arab very commonly talk about the iPhone and we talk about Arab country. Bush an too world iPhone and we talk about Arab country. Bush an too world civilization, mathematics. country. Bush an too world civilization, mathematics. Smith takes an algebra civilization, mathematics. Smith takes an algebra everything that starts with Al Smith takes an algebra everything that starts with Al right. Algebra, alcohol. All everything that starts with Al right. Algebra, alcohol. All of these started with which is
the ow coming in all of that. of these started with which is the ow coming in all of that. Numbers, the Arabic numerals the ow coming in all of that. Numbers, the Arabic numerals our of our students study in Numbers, the Arabic numerals our of our students study in school. The invention of the 0 our of our students study in school. The invention of the 0 then the contributions to school. The invention of the 0 then the contributions to medicine that while Europe was then the contributions to medicine that while Europe was drowning and plagues and medicine that while Europe was drowning and plagues and diseases, the heiress drowning and plagues and diseases, the heiress introduced hygiene, introduce diseases, the heiress introduced hygiene, introduce a circulatory system in introduced hygiene, introduce a circulatory system in investments to medicine. And a circulatory system in investments to medicine. And to astronomy and chemistry and investments to medicine. And to astronomy and chemistry and all the beautiful things that to astronomy and chemistry and all the beautiful things that we can. All Google. The father
says Jala Jeevan 102 and the we can. All Google. The father says Jala Jeevan 102 and the father philosophy if and says Jala Jeevan 102 and the father philosophy if and rushed in medicine with even father philosophy if and rushed in medicine with even seen a all of these were air rushed in medicine with even seen a all of these were air contributions to world seen a all of these were air contributions to world civilizations. But the irony contributions to world civilizations. But the irony today is that when we talk civilizations. But the irony today is that when we talk about contributions in today is that when we talk about contributions in mathematics, what is missing about contributions in mathematics, what is missing is when it comes to Arab mathematics, what is missing is when it comes to Arab Americans and Arab American is when it comes to Arab Americans and Arab American heritage. There is an absence. Americans and Arab American heritage. There is an absence. Or an exclusion or near razor heritage. There is an absence. Or an exclusion or near razor of Arab-American numbers in Or an exclusion or near razor of Arab-American numbers in the American fabric. We do not of Arab-American numbers in the American fabric. We do not know how many Arab-Americans the American fabric. We do not know how many Arab-Americans are in America because we are know how many Arab-Americans are in America because we are erased from the census. We are
race from data where race from erased from the census. We are race from data where race from statistics help. When we ask race from data where race from statistics help. When we ask how many Arab-Americans served statistics help. When we ask how many Arab-Americans served in Congress, for example, last how many Arab-Americans served in Congress, for example, last 100 years, you cannot find in Congress, for example, last 100 years, you cannot find that data because every Arab 100 years, you cannot find that data because every Arab American that has served in that data because every Arab American that has served in Congress had to identify as American that has served in Congress had to identify as white under the U.S. Census Congress had to identify as white under the U.S. Census care. Categorize ation racial white under the U.S. Census care. Categorize ation racial categorization. So even when care. Categorize ation racial categorization. So even when last year I emailed Mr. Sheehy categorization. So even when last year I emailed Mr. Sheehy back there. And I said how last year I emailed Mr. Sheehy back there. And I said how many Arab-Americans students back there. And I said how many Arab-Americans students are in LCPS? The answer is we many Arab-Americans students are in LCPS? The answer is we don't know because they
identify as whites a racial don't know because they identify as whites a racial category is one of the first identify as whites a racial category is one of the first means of. You can call category is one of the first means of. You can call exclusion. You can call it means of. You can call exclusion. You can call it absence. But it's really at exclusion. You can call it absence. But it's really at the end of the day it is in absence. But it's really at the end of the day it is in your age or a whole community the end of the day it is in your age or a whole community and a heritage of the whole your age or a whole community and a heritage of the whole community. That is a very and a heritage of the whole community. That is a very community with an in America. community. That is a very community with an in America. So notable members of community with an in America. So notable members of community such as James, the So notable members of community such as James, the vote is close. The first community such as James, the vote is close. The first Arab-American Sen and the U.S. vote is close. The first Arab-American Sen and the U.S. Congress is not there. But Arab-American Sen and the U.S. Congress is not there. But even today, Rashida to lay Congress is not there. But even today, Rashida to lay when you think about and Omar, even today, Rashida to lay when you think about and Omar, who is Somali American for.
She did play police, who is Somali American for. She did play police, Palestinian American who are She did play police, Palestinian American who are serving currently in Congress Palestinian American who are serving currently in Congress are actually identified as serving currently in Congress are actually identified as White. But when we look at as are actually identified as White. But when we look at as strong women of color, we do White. But when we look at as strong women of color, we do not look at them as White strong women of color, we do not look at them as White American congresswoman. So not look at them as White American congresswoman. So when it comes to core, they American congresswoman. So when it comes to core, they Americans. We can talk about when it comes to core, they Americans. We can talk about individual contributions to Americans. We can talk about individual contributions to arts and technology in all of individual contributions to arts and technology in all of that. But week and fortunately arts and technology in all of that. But week and fortunately cannot really. I number or an
estimate or or a measure to cannot really. I number or an estimate or or a measure to the contributions of Arab estimate or or a measure to the contributions of Arab American scientists of air the contributions of Arab American scientists of air American physicians and American scientists of air American physicians and politicians, the poets and the American physicians and politicians, the poets and the authors, the comedians, the politicians, the poets and the authors, the comedians, the artists, the I asked Leach the authors, the comedians, the artists, the I asked Leach the ever American educators. The artists, the I asked Leach the ever American educators. The the NASA scientists, we don't ever American educators. The the NASA scientists, we don't have that. That statistic the NASA scientists, we don't have that. That statistic readily available because even have that. That statistic readily available because even LCPS surveys every at the end readily available because even LCPS surveys every at the end of the year. We just filled LCPS surveys every at the end of the year. We just filled out the survey for. How's our
schools doing at the end of out the survey for. How's our schools doing at the end of the survey asks us, how do you schools doing at the end of the survey asks us, how do you identify so the kick? The guy the survey asks us, how do you identify so the kick? The guy choices. American Indian, identify so the kick? The guy choices. American Indian, Alaska, Native, Asian, black choices. American Indian, Alaska, Native, Asian, black or African-American, Hispanic Alaska, Native, Asian, black or African-American, Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or African-American, Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander White, 2 or or Latino Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander White, 2 or more races. Races or prefer Pacific Islander White, 2 or more races. Races or prefer not to say I prefer to say, more races. Races or prefer not to say I prefer to say, but I don't have a place to not to say I prefer to say, but I don't have a place to say. I prefer for my daughter but I don't have a place to say. I prefer for my daughter to identify herself as Arab say. I prefer for my daughter to identify herself as Arab American as middle Eastern
American. But she doesn't have American as middle Eastern American. But she doesn't have a button to click. So even American. But she doesn't have a button to click. So even today in LCPS, even though in a button to click. So even today in LCPS, even though in 2020 for the U.S. Census today in LCPS, even though in 2020 for the U.S. Census updated the with the Office of 2020 for the U.S. Census updated the with the Office of Management and Budget that the updated the with the Office of Management and Budget that the U.S. government will start Management and Budget that the U.S. government will start introducing the new category U.S. government will start introducing the new category them in a category Middle East introducing the new category them in a category Middle East and North African category. them in a category Middle East and North African category. We're still yet to see school and North African category. We're still yet to see school systems. And of course, We're still yet to see school systems. And of course, hopefully what remains systems. And of course, hopefully what remains Department of Education. 2 hopefully what remains Department of Education. 2 introduced a new category in Department of Education. 2 introduced a new category in in their data so we can
disaggregate some of that in their data so we can disaggregate some of that information, at least begin disaggregate some of that information, at least begin from 2025. to have at least information, at least begin from 2025. to have at least some kind of archives of how from 2025. to have at least some kind of archives of how many Arab students do we have. some kind of archives of how many Arab students do we have. And Loudoun County, which many Arab students do we have. And Loudoun County, which makes again the last point And Loudoun County, which makes again the last point that I will make for a quick makes again the last point that I will make for a quick is that which makes it really that I will make for a quick is that which makes it really hard to even understand. The is that which makes it really hard to even understand. The experience of Arab-American hard to even understand. The experience of Arab-American students at LCPS, for example, experience of Arab-American students at LCPS, for example, or any of our school districts students at LCPS, for example, or any of our school districts because when we look at the or any of our school districts because when we look at the equity report at the end of because when we look at the equity report at the end of the year and they say, you equity report at the end of the year and they say, you know, their racial incidents the year and they say, you know, their racial incidents are happening. There's a know, their racial incidents are happening. There's a there's increased rates of are happening. There's a there's increased rates of discrimination against
students. But if we discrimination against students. But if we disaggregate the data by students. But if we disaggregate the data by racial category, we cannot disaggregate the data by racial category, we cannot define whether Arab students racial category, we cannot define whether Arab students are facing discrimination or define whether Arab students are facing discrimination or not. Is there an increased are facing discrimination or not. Is there an increased rate? Is there a decrease? not. Is there an increased rate? Is there a decrease? Which would be great. There's rate? Is there a decrease? Which would be great. There's a deacon decrease in. Racial Which would be great. There's a deacon decrease in. Racial incident or incidents of a deacon decrease in. Racial incident or incidents of discrimination by U.S. incident or incidents of discrimination by U.S. exclusion, xenophobia, some discrimination by U.S. exclusion, xenophobia, some students versus Arab students exclusion, xenophobia, some students versus Arab students and defining some of these students versus Arab students and defining some of these intersectionality. Ys that a and defining some of these intersectionality. Ys that a lot of students identify as
and so for example, I and I lot of students identify as and so for example, I and I asked should heed the same and so for example, I and I asked should heed the same thing last year. Can we do? We asked should heed the same thing last year. Can we do? We have numbers of how many thing last year. Can we do? We have numbers of how many Arab-Americans is there? An have numbers of how many Arab-Americans is there? An increase or decrease? We can't Arab-Americans is there? An increase or decrease? We can't really define that. But a lot increase or decrease? We can't really define that. But a lot of other school districts. And really define that. But a lot of other school districts. And I think this probably applies of other school districts. And I think this probably applies to LCPS is that when you see a I think this probably applies to LCPS is that when you see a spike and racial incidents to LCPS is that when you see a spike and racial incidents against white students. How do spike and racial incidents against white students. How do you interpret that? Our white against white students. How do you interpret that? Our white students being discriminated you interpret that? Our white students being discriminated against are good chunk of students being discriminated against are good chunk of those students actually Arab
American students who are those students actually Arab American students who are being called terrorists or American students who are being called terrorists or here or being identified and being called terrorists or here or being identified and defined based on the political here or being identified and defined based on the political climate that's happening today defined based on the political climate that's happening today and especially in the climate that's happening today and especially in the educational system in college and especially in the educational system in college campuses and school campuses educational system in college campuses and school campuses and the discrimination that is campuses and school campuses and the discrimination that is that our students are facing and the discrimination that is that our students are facing as a result of the climate that our students are facing as a result of the climate that we're in. So freedom of as a result of the climate that we're in. So freedom of speech, freedom of expression that we're in. So freedom of speech, freedom of expression that our students are speech, freedom of expression that our students are constitutional mandate to have that our students are constitutional mandate to have also would be great for their constitutional mandate to have also would be great for their sense of belonging for them to also would be great for their sense of belonging for them to find their space in their
numbers in their records, in find their space in their numbers in their records, in their archives at their own numbers in their records, in their archives at their own county schools. Thank you. their archives at their own county schools. Thank you. Thank you for that. For that. county schools. Thank you. Thank you for that. For that. And I think that's one the Thank you for that. For that. And I think that's one the reasons why we have the equity And I think that's one the reasons why we have the equity committee. reasons why we have the equity committee. >> As we can contest these committee. >> As we can contest these things, to help facilitate the >> As we can contest these things, to help facilitate the DIA as well, perhaps in the things, to help facilitate the DIA as well, perhaps in the future. As long as we get the DIA as well, perhaps in the future. As long as we get the quorum for that, we'd like to future. As long as we get the quorum for that, we'd like to move on to the next part of quorum for that, we'd like to move on to the next part of our of our discussions. Ashley move on to the next part of our of our discussions. Ashley Mote, a panel discussion we our of our discussions. Ashley Mote, a panel discussion we have with us is our 3rd Mote, a panel discussion we have with us is our 3rd speaker. He is an Arab
American student. James has a speaker. He is an Arab American student. James has a rocky past. An American, high American student. James has a rocky past. An American, high school senior at Dominion. He rocky past. An American, high school senior at Dominion. He is an abstract, a stun school senior at Dominion. He is an abstract, a stun delegates and his on the track is an abstract, a stun delegates and his on the track team and is looking to go to delegates and his on the track team and is looking to go to Nova and hopefully will become team and is looking to go to Nova and hopefully will become a scientist in the near Nova and hopefully will become a scientist in the near future. So with that, we like a scientist in the near future. So with that, we like to do is we like to focus on future. So with that, we like to do is we like to focus on little more of Q and A Q and A to do is we like to focus on little more of Q and A Q and A coming for me regarding little more of Q and A Q and A coming for me regarding inclusion, supportive. And for coming for me regarding inclusion, supportive. And for situations. Your high school
and how do you feel being an situations. Your high school and how do you feel being an Arab American Dimon into field and how do you feel being an Arab American Dimon into field that you then walk on show Arab American Dimon into field that you then walk on show that year. Do your friends that you then walk on show that year. Do your friends know that you're to every that year. Do your friends know that you're to every American? Are you just say I'm know that you're to every American? Are you just say I'm just Khalid. DJ. I absolutely American? Are you just say I'm just Khalid. DJ. I absolutely feel very welcome at Dominion, just Khalid. DJ. I absolutely feel very welcome at Dominion, I'm not shy about who I in the feel very welcome at Dominion, I'm not shy about who I in the least. Everyone who knows me I'm not shy about who I in the least. Everyone who knows me knows. I'm I'm either Middle least. Everyone who knows me knows. I'm I'm either Middle Eastern American on knows. I'm I'm either Middle Eastern American on Palestinian or I never make
specifically Dominion has done Palestinian or I never make specifically Dominion has done an amazing job of Well coming specifically Dominion has done an amazing job of Well coming in and being more inclusive. I an amazing job of Well coming in and being more inclusive. I haven't run into many I can to in and being more inclusive. I haven't run into many I can to save other schools that have haven't run into many I can to save other schools that have heard a lot of stories that I save other schools that have heard a lot of stories that I have a lot of friends that heard a lot of stories that I have a lot of friends that have gone through issues with have a lot of friends that have gone through issues with with staff, with other have gone through issues with with staff, with other students with administration. with staff, with other students with administration. But the minion where I where I students with administration. But the minion where I where I am, I feel very welcome.
>> So let me ask you this. am, I feel very welcome. >> So let me ask you this. What does what is being air >> So let me ask you this. What does what is being air America mean to you? What does what is being air America mean to you? >> So I finished actually America mean to you? >> So I finished actually wrote a poem about this. Not >> So I finished actually wrote a poem about this. Not long. you mind if I read it? wrote a poem about this. Not long. you mind if I read it? Yes, lies in my blood, which lies in my blood, which belongs to land that's been lies in my blood, which belongs to land that's been stolen from the Jordan River belongs to land that's been stolen from the Jordan River the Mediterranean Sea. land stolen from the Jordan River the Mediterranean Sea. land that is sought and with the the Mediterranean Sea. land that is sought and with the Chi tiers of children's, that is sought and with the Chi tiers of children's, please from this land, the Chi tiers of children's, please from this land, the eyes I've never seen and I please from this land, the eyes I've never seen and I will return to even if it's eyes I've never seen and I will return to even if it's the last thing I ever see will return to even if it's the last thing I ever see forever. Also lies in my
heart, which is from a small forever. Also lies in my heart, which is from a small peninsula of for my family, heart, which is from a small peninsula of for my family, could live in peace and mean peninsula of for my family, could live in peace and mean by countless Cousins ran could live in peace and mean by countless Cousins ran around demolishing Peas, this by countless Cousins ran around demolishing Peas, this was my life. This was around demolishing Peas, this was my life. This was childhood. Then a new life was my life. This was childhood. Then a new life emerged a little girl, my childhood. Then a new life emerged a little girl, my little sister and forever. She emerged a little girl, my little sister and forever. She will be my brain is from right little sister and forever. She will be my brain is from right here on the land. I stand on. will be my brain is from right here on the land. I stand on. I learn to think like an here on the land. I stand on. I learn to think like an American to act like an I learn to think like an American to act like an American most importantly, to American to act like an American most importantly, to be proud like an American, American most importantly, to be proud like an American, which I will forever be. But
beneath everything, there's my which I will forever be. But beneath everything, there's my soul. My soul is not from one beneath everything, there's my soul. My soul is not from one single place, but it is a soul. My soul is not from one single place, but it is a cultivation of everywhere has single place, but it is a cultivation of everywhere has ever been. Weather is from the cultivation of everywhere has ever been. Weather is from the river to sea from sea to ever been. Weather is from the river to sea from sea to shining sea. So that home I river to sea from sea to shining sea. So that home I kind of just I rode it to shining sea. So that home I kind of just I rode it to highlight that being every kind of just I rode it to highlight that being every American. It is. It is such of highlight that being every American. It is. It is such of a varies. A lot wide term, American. It is. It is such of a varies. A lot wide term, even though I am Palestinian. a varies. A lot wide term, even though I am Palestinian. I grew up and caught I came
over here and I grew up here. I grew up and caught I came over here and I grew up here. But beneath it all, I am still over here and I grew up here. But beneath it all, I am still Arab-American because of all But beneath it all, I am still Arab-American because of all of those individual parts. Not Arab-American because of all of those individual parts. Not just because of where my of those individual parts. Not just because of where my family from is from Orpha. But just because of where my family from is from Orpha. But where I grew up, because of family from is from Orpha. But where I grew up, because of everything together. where I grew up, because of everything together. >> How how does How does the everything together. >> How how does How does the leadership shape the friends? >> How how does How does the leadership shape the friends? I mean,
>> when you were saying that, I mean, >> when you were saying that, you know, I I'm proud every >> when you were saying that, you know, I I'm proud every American and this is I am. A you know, I I'm proud every American and this is I am. A lot of the people around you. American and this is I am. A lot of the people around you. I'm assuming are they similar lot of the people around you. I'm assuming are they similar face in their background or I'm assuming are they similar face in their background or are we talking about a diverse face in their background or are we talking about a diverse array of friends? are we talking about a diverse array of friends? >> Well, actually, I. array of friends? >> Well, actually, I. >> My friends school very >> Well, actually, I. >> My friends school very varying. >> My friends school very varying. >> The face wherever they're I varying. >> The face wherever they're I office of a C I'm very I'm
most them. So a very connected office of a C I'm very I'm most them. So a very connected with the most of that coming most them. So a very connected with the most of that coming in. But in every class. I with the most of that coming in. But in every class. I mean, every single class time. in. But in every class. I mean, every single class time. And I know every single person mean, every single class time. And I know every single person in my class I just single And I know every single person in my class I just single person in my class knows me. I in my class I just single person in my class knows me. I have no problem talking to person in my class knows me. I have no problem talking to people of other face or people have no problem talking to people of other face or people who are every American I just people of other face or people who are every American I just I never into any issues like who are every American I just I never into any issues like that. And the. I never into any issues like that. And the. >> It's it's. that. And the. >> It's it's. >> Really the.
>> Interesting having friends >> Really the. >> Interesting having friends from so many different places >> Interesting having friends from so many different places because it helps to broaden from so many different places because it helps to broaden perspectives and kind of see because it helps to broaden perspectives and kind of see There's there's a lot of perspectives and kind of see There's there's a lot of different viewpoints in this There's there's a lot of different viewpoints in this world. different viewpoints in this world. >> Samantha, you mentioned. world. >> Samantha, you mentioned. >> Growing I think net as well >> Samantha, you mentioned. >> Growing I think net as well post 9.11, going public >> Growing I think net as well post 9.11, going public school. post 9.11, going public school. >> Felt that you were school. >> Felt that you were sheltered. I will point. Break >> Felt that you were sheltered. I will point. Break out of your shell and saying, sheltered. I will point. Break out of your shell and saying, you know what
>> I am proud of my heritage you know what >> I am proud of my heritage and I'm proud of being >> I am proud of my heritage and I'm proud of being American. And how did that and I'm proud of being American. And how did that resonate with the sphere American. And how did that resonate with the sphere circle around? You? resonate with the sphere circle around? You? >> I think before 9 alive. So circle around? You? >> I think before 9 alive. So I was in middle school at the >> I think before 9 alive. So I was in middle school at the time. And I think before 9.11, I was in middle school at the time. And I think before 9.11, if I said I was at bar fights time. And I think before 9.11, if I said I was at bar fights that I was Palestinian people if I said I was at bar fights that I was Palestinian people didn't really know what that that I was Palestinian people didn't really know what that meant. There like, okay. But didn't really know what that meant. There like, okay. But then it was a very big change
after that anytime it ever then it was a very big change after that anytime it ever came up that I I was after that anytime it ever came up that I I was Palestinian or I was pair of came up that I I was Palestinian or I was pair of or Middle Eastern and that was Palestinian or I was pair of or Middle Eastern and that was when those those those things or Middle Eastern and that was when those those those things were said. And so it's it's it when those those those things were said. And so it's it's it was a very big chains. I can't were said. And so it's it's it was a very big chains. I can't begin to imagine what it was was a very big chains. I can't begin to imagine what it was like. begin to imagine what it was like. >> For brothers and sisters like. >> For brothers and sisters who wear hijab. Because I felt
that as as a Christian and at who wear hijab. Because I felt that as as a Christian and at that time I actually was in that as as a Christian and at that time I actually was in Catholic school. that time I actually was in Catholic school. >> I think to answer the Catholic school. >> I think to answer the second part of your question, >> I think to answer the second part of your question, it was a wasn't until high second part of your question, it was a wasn't until high school. So where I kind broke it was a wasn't until high school. So where I kind broke a little bit more out of my school. So where I kind broke a little bit more out of my shell and with more a little bit more out of my shell and with more comfortable myself and middle shell and with more comfortable myself and middle school. I think most of us are comfortable myself and middle school. I think most of us are just kind of figuring out what school. I think most of us are just kind of figuring out what we're who we are, what we're just kind of figuring out what we're who we are, what we're doing. So that was not a great we're who we are, what we're doing. So that was not a great time for me to be. Proud and doing. So that was not a great time for me to be. Proud and tickets to stand up to 2 all time for me to be. Proud and tickets to stand up to 2 all of these things. But it
definitely shapes the way that of these things. But it definitely shapes the way that I thought about myself and the definitely shapes the way that I thought about myself and the way that I continue to be I thought about myself and the way that I continue to be confused about who I was in way that I continue to be confused about who I was in this world. And so in high confused about who I was in this world. And so in high school, I started to this world. And so in high school, I started to understand it more and high school, I started to understand it more and high school. I when I was in understand it more and high school. I when I was in Catholic school again. school. I when I was in Catholic school again. >> And Catholic school again. >> And >> there wasn't a large Arab >> And >> there wasn't a large Arab population. There wasn't >> there wasn't a large Arab population. There wasn't actually a large any minority, population. There wasn't actually a large any minority, a patient, to be honest. And actually a large any minority, a patient, to be honest. And so that was when I was like. a patient, to be honest. And so that was when I was like. Hey, yeah, actually, I don't
fit in. I had boyfriend at the Hey, yeah, actually, I don't fit in. I had boyfriend at the time and I went to his his fit in. I had boyfriend at the time and I went to his his home for dinner once. time and I went to his his home for dinner once. >> And they were all eating in home for dinner once. >> And they were all eating in separate rooms of the house >> And they were all eating in separate rooms of the house like everyone grab their separate rooms of the house like everyone grab their dinner and then just like the like everyone grab their dinner and then just like the dog went to watch TV mom went dinner and then just like the dog went to watch TV mom went to the dining room that. dog went to watch TV mom went to the dining room that. >> And then the kids went to to the dining room that. >> And then the kids went to their own rooms. And I was >> And then the kids went to their own rooms. And I was like in shock in my life. I've their own rooms. And I was like in shock in my life. I've never seen that before. And so like in shock in my life. I've never seen that before. And so I think it just like. I just never seen that before. And so I think it just like. I just started to realize that. I
there was something very started to realize that. I there was something very different about my upbringing there was something very different about my upbringing in who I was. And so that's different about my upbringing in who I was. And so that's why it led me later to study in who I was. And so that's why it led me later to study international politics and why it led me later to study international politics and policies in college and then international politics and policies in college and then and now I dedicate my my life policies in college and then and now I dedicate my my life to immigrant justice. I did and now I dedicate my my life to immigrant justice. I did not have any to try to to immigrant justice. I did not have any to try to assimilate or to try to pass not have any to try to assimilate or to try to pass for anything. But Arab Muslim. assimilate or to try to pass for anything. But Arab Muslim. >> At the time of 9.11. My for anything. But Arab Muslim. >> At the time of 9.11. My name does not. Allow me to
even hide even if I wanted to. name does not. Allow me to even hide even if I wanted to. There is no effort of trying even hide even if I wanted to. There is no effort of trying to hide my identity even if I There is no effort of trying to hide my identity even if I wanted to. And so being asked to hide my identity even if I wanted to. And so being asked and being I being. I define wanted to. And so being asked and being I being. I define myself, but also how others and being I being. I define myself, but also how others define me when they walk up to myself, but also how others define me when they walk up to me when they talk to me when I define me when they walk up to me when they talk to me when I say my name. But until today. me when they talk to me when I say my name. But until today. The first question is always say my name. But until today. The first question is always what kind of name is that? How The first question is always what kind of name is that? How do you pronounce it? Where is what kind of name is that? How do you pronounce it? Where is it from where? So that is my do you pronounce it? Where is it from where? So that is my name. My own identified it from where? So that is my name. My own identified personal identity is the. is
how people look at me. So I personal identity is the. is how people look at me. So I cannot escape that. you might how people look at me. So I cannot escape that. you might be able to hide behind that cannot escape that. you might be able to hide behind that name, but I can't. And so be able to hide behind that name, but I can't. And so 9.11, was. It was a very name, but I can't. And so 9.11, was. It was a very difficult time for our 9.11, was. It was a very difficult time for our community in Herndon in difficult time for our community in Herndon in Sterling as a Muslim community in Herndon in Sterling as a Muslim community, but also as an Sterling as a Muslim community, but also as an Arab-American community. We community, but also as an Arab-American community. We faced a lot of backlash with Arab-American community. We faced a lot of backlash with faced a lot of institutional, faced a lot of backlash with faced a lot of institutional, not just discrimination, but faced a lot of institutional, not just discrimination, but there was a lot of violations not just discrimination, but there was a lot of violations of constitutional rights for
the community as a whole. And of constitutional rights for the community as a whole. And so that affected us as young the community as a whole. And so that affected us as young people in understanding our. so that affected us as young people in understanding our. Conceptualize ation of being people in understanding our. Conceptualize ation of being American because being Conceptualize ation of being American because being Americans first and foremost, American because being Americans first and foremost, the idea of land of law and Americans first and foremost, the idea of land of law and everything is based. So if the idea of land of law and everything is based. So if something violates the law, everything is based. So if something violates the law, it's not going to happen in something violates the law, it's not going to happen in America. So if you have it's not going to happen in America. So if you have freedom of speech, if you have America. So if you have freedom of speech, if you have freedom of expression of freedom of speech, if you have freedom of expression of freedom of religion, then freedom of expression of freedom of religion, then that's in trying end that. freedom of religion, then that's in trying end that. It's not going to be violated.
But 9.11, wasn't environment. It's not going to be violated. But 9.11, wasn't environment. And that's the environment But 9.11, wasn't environment. And that's the environment we're seeing again today. And that's the environment we're seeing again today. That's an environment in which we're seeing again today. That's an environment in which it shook our understanding of That's an environment in which it shook our understanding of what we learned in school. So it shook our understanding of what we learned in school. So for me to come to America and what we learned in school. So for me to come to America and go straight into AP history for me to come to America and go straight into AP history when coming from Jordan from a go straight into AP history when coming from Jordan from a country in which doesn't share when coming from Jordan from a country in which doesn't share a lot of the democratic ideals country in which doesn't share a lot of the democratic ideals that we have in America set to a lot of the democratic ideals that we have in America set to come in and go straight into that we have in America set to come in and go straight into AP history and learn about the come in and go straight into AP history and learn about the history of the United States AP history and learn about the history of the United States and learn about the makeup of history of the United States and learn about the makeup of democracy and and then in and learn about the makeup of democracy and and then in height. And in my senior year,
I took political science and I height. And in my senior year, I took political science and I interned in the Congress. And I took political science and I interned in the Congress. And again, my English was still a interned in the Congress. And again, my English was still a shelf and it's mom. She again, my English was still a shelf and it's mom. She remembers me. I was a fob, shelf and it's mom. She remembers me. I was a fob, right? I was just very, very remembers me. I was a fob, right? I was just very, very new to the country. But I was right? I was just very, very new to the country. But I was in training in the Congress in new to the country. But I was in training in the Congress in the year 2000 at a time in in training in the Congress in the year 2000 at a time in which I I was just so excited the year 2000 at a time in which I I was just so excited to to be American to be part which I I was just so excited to to be American to be part of. What this democracy is to to to be American to be part of. What this democracy is to go to Congress actually see of. What this democracy is to go to Congress actually see our Congress member like go to Congress actually see our Congress member like raising your hands and our Congress member like raising your hands and speaking and and then 9.11, raising your hands and speaking and and then 9.11, hit. And all of that just kind speaking and and then 9.11, hit. And all of that just kind of crumbled before my eyes
because of her own personal of crumbled before my eyes because of her own personal experience, our community because of her own personal experience, our community experiences and the national experience, our community experiences and the national to appearance as a whole. And, experiences and the national to appearance as a whole. And, you know, we cannot help but to appearance as a whole. And, you know, we cannot help but juxtapose that and see how you know, we cannot help but juxtapose that and see how what is happening today nears juxtapose that and see how what is happening today nears what happened during that air. what is happening today nears what happened during that air. And unfortunately, it's it's what happened during that air. And unfortunately, it's it's potentially looking like it's And unfortunately, it's it's potentially looking like it's even worse than the 9.11 days potentially looking like it's even worse than the 9.11 days for our community. even worse than the 9.11 days for our community. >> So you guys hit up. Every for our community. >> So you guys hit up. Every the sensitive topic rights in >> So you guys hit up. Every the sensitive topic rights in situ institutionalization of the sensitive topic rights in situ institutionalization of others are wondering category
people. Unfortunately, that's others are wondering category people. Unfortunately, that's dark history and America where people. Unfortunately, that's dark history and America where we other other AISD enslaved. dark history and America where we other other AISD enslaved. We've other eyes. And if we other other AISD enslaved. We've other eyes. And if Americans, we have other eyes. We've other eyes. And if Americans, we have other eyes. The Italians, the polls. Americans, we have other eyes. The Italians, the polls. Jewish Americans. And so now The Italians, the polls. Jewish Americans. And so now it seems to be a problem with Jewish Americans. And so now it seems to be a problem with with every Americans as as as it seems to be a problem with with every Americans as as as parents now, right for for But
and then I guess the and the parents now, right for for But and then I guess the and the is how how does one? Educate and then I guess the and the is how how does one? Educate the public when you here that, is how how does one? Educate the public when you here that, you know, statements of, you the public when you here that, you know, statements of, you know, for example, you know, you know, statements of, you know, for example, you know, it's lot hates us or Arabs know, for example, you know, it's lot hates us or Arabs hate us. Write us meeting. it's lot hates us or Arabs hate us. Write us meeting. Obviously the United States, hate us. Write us meeting. Obviously the United States, how how would you go about are Obviously the United States, how how would you go about are we educating or kinda how how would you go about are we educating or kinda transforming our maybe turning we educating or kinda transforming our maybe turning the conversation around to transforming our maybe turning the conversation around to where, you know, it's not it's the conversation around to where, you know, it's not it's not that. The other ing of us
hate. America. It's actually not that. The other ing of us hate. America. It's actually we are part of the U.S. and we hate. America. It's actually we are part of the U.S. and we don't hate ourselves, right? we are part of the U.S. and we don't hate ourselves, right? How how? How would you go don't hate ourselves, right? How how? How would you go about changing that? How how? How would you go about changing that? >> it's a very difficult about changing that? >> it's a very difficult question. It's a very >> it's a very difficult question. It's a very difficult situation. We are in question. It's a very difficult situation. We are in because it's a narrative that difficult situation. We are in because it's a narrative that is so ingrained in the because it's a narrative that is so ingrained in the American psyche for is so ingrained in the American psyche for generations. The 50's and the
60's in the 1967 war and then generations. The 50's and the 60's in the 1967 war and then the Iranian revolution and 60's in the 1967 war and then the Iranian revolution and most Americans not knowing the the Iranian revolution and most Americans not knowing the difference between an air of most Americans not knowing the difference between an air of an Iranian. difference between an air of an Iranian. >> And then the the Lebanon an Iranian. >> And then the the Lebanon War and then the, you know, >> And then the the Lebanon War and then the, you know, the the Intifada in Palestine War and then the, you know, the the Intifada in Palestine and then but go from there, the the Intifada in Palestine and then but go from there, the peace process that never and then but go from there, the peace process that never was. And then all of these the peace process that never was. And then all of these Gulf War followed by the was. And then all of these Gulf War followed by the invasion of Iraq and 9.11, and Gulf War followed by the invasion of Iraq and 9.11, and all of those. It's so 6 invasion of Iraq and 9.11, and all of those. It's so 6 successive that on the
political landscape, it successive that on the political landscape, it doesn't even allow room for political landscape, it doesn't even allow room for the community to figure out doesn't even allow room for the community to figure out how to navigate its own the community to figure out how to navigate its own narrative and how to even try how to navigate its own narrative and how to even try to establish it's ingrained in narrative and how to even try to establish it's ingrained in our educational curriculum in to establish it's ingrained in our educational curriculum in schools, the way it is our educational curriculum in schools, the way it is presented, the way eras are schools, the way it is presented, the way eras are presented, the wait even when presented, the way eras are presented, the wait even when they are not presented presented, the wait even when they are not presented directly, the the eraser of they are not presented directly, the the eraser of Arab narrative in our public directly, the the eraser of Arab narrative in our public libraries in our school Arab narrative in our public libraries in our school libraries and how much we have libraries in our school libraries and how much we have to. Actually actively go out
to the school district and to. Actually actively go out to the school district and say, can can we talk to the to the school district and say, can can we talk to the curriculum department? Can we say, can can we talk to the curriculum department? Can we talk to the Equity Committee curriculum department? Can we talk to the Equity Committee and the M set committees. So talk to the Equity Committee and the M set committees. So it is becoming a burden on us and the M set committees. So it is becoming a burden on us in a way out. I want take it is becoming a burden on us in a way out. I want take burden but a responsibility. in a way out. I want take burden but a responsibility. asked to shoulder. Actively burden but a responsibility. asked to shoulder. Actively going out to change this asked to shoulder. Actively going out to change this narrative that is so strong going out to change this narrative that is so strong and so vicious and so. narrative that is so strong and so vicious and so. Venomous against us. We're and so vicious and so. Venomous against us. We're talking about our own Venomous against us. We're talking about our own politicians were talking about talking about our own politicians were talking about our own leaders from the local
to the state, to the national our own leaders from the local to the state, to the national level to the White House that to the state, to the national level to the White House that is using our own identity as a level to the White House that is using our own identity as a racial slur. So when you call is using our own identity as a racial slur. So when you call somebody else a Palestinian as racial slur. So when you call somebody else a Palestinian as a racial slur, what are you somebody else a Palestinian as a racial slur, what are you doing to? A young Palestinian a racial slur, what are you doing to? A young Palestinian 9 year-old in Loudoun County doing to? A young Palestinian 9 year-old in Loudoun County Public School when she hears 9 year-old in Loudoun County Public School when she hears that on the news. When you Public School when she hears that on the news. When you are, when you are constantly that on the news. When you are, when you are constantly calling Wilson's enemies of are, when you are constantly calling Wilson's enemies of America when they are America, calling Wilson's enemies of America when they are America, they are mayor, what is America when they are America, they are mayor, what is America? What who is us when
we say some hates rubs hates America? What who is us when we say some hates rubs hates us. When you have high school we say some hates rubs hates us. When you have high school students to are walking out, us. When you have high school students to are walking out, calling for a cease-fire, students to are walking out, calling for a cease-fire, calling for an end of war of calling for a cease-fire, calling for an end of war of saying we don't want children calling for an end of war of saying we don't want children and school children. We don't saying we don't want children and school children. We don't want schools to be bombed. We and school children. We don't want schools to be bombed. We do want children to die. And want schools to be bombed. We do want children to die. And then you come across then you do want children to die. And then you come across then you call them names, Anti-Semitic, then you come across then you call them names, Anti-Semitic, Hamas babies, all of these, call them names, Anti-Semitic, Hamas babies, all of these, these are words that were Hamas babies, all of these, these are words that were called by her own educators. these are words that were called by her own educators. User words are used by our own called by her own educators. User words are used by our own politicians are owned lock User words are used by our own politicians are owned lock local government. You know, politicians are owned lock local government. You know, people that we vote for. So
these these are this is the people that we vote for. So these these are this is the environment. Our children are these these are this is the environment. Our children are navigating. I am so happy that environment. Our children are navigating. I am so happy that you are having a positive navigating. I am so happy that you are having a positive experience because I would you are having a positive experience because I would love to say that this is the experience because I would love to say that this is the uniform experience for a lot love to say that this is the uniform experience for a lot of high school students, but uniform experience for a lot of high school students, but it's actually not. So I would of high school students, but it's actually not. So I would applaud Dominion High School it's actually not. So I would applaud Dominion High School because that's not the general applaud Dominion High School because that's not the general experience for for a lot of because that's not the general experience for for a lot of students. My daughter's in experience for for a lot of students. My daughter's in elementary school and she has students. My daughter's in elementary school and she has not had a very positive elementary school and she has not had a very positive experience. We've had people not had a very positive experience. We've had people in this own room that
discriminated against students in this own room that discriminated against students LCPS in incidents that were. discriminated against students LCPS in incidents that were. Very dangerous for our own LCPS in incidents that were. Very dangerous for our own children. So it is an Very dangerous for our own children. So it is an environment in which we have children. So it is an environment in which we have to stand up. We have to be environment in which we have to stand up. We have to be strong. We have to. We have to to stand up. We have to be strong. We have to. We have to speak our own narrative strong. We have to. We have to speak our own narrative because nobody else is going speak our own narrative because nobody else is going to speak it for us. If so for because nobody else is going to speak it for us. If so for not here tonight. If we are to speak it for us. If so for not here tonight. If we are and that's why we're honored not here tonight. If we are and that's why we're honored to be here. honored to be able and that's why we're honored to be here. honored to be able to speak to a microphone, to to be here. honored to be able to speak to a microphone, to speak to a community who's to speak to a microphone, to speak to a community who's willing to listen and wanting
to learn about our willing to listen and wanting to learn about our experiences, wanting to learn to learn about our experiences, wanting to learn who their neighbors are. We experiences, wanting to learn who their neighbors are. We are your neighbors, our who their neighbors are. We are your neighbors, our children going to same soccer are your neighbors, our children going to same soccer leagues in track and field as children going to same soccer leagues in track and field as your own children do we go to leagues in track and field as your own children do we go to the same movie theaters? We your own children do we go to the same movie theaters? We shop at the same supermarkets the same movie theaters? We shop at the same supermarkets and we share the same holidays shop at the same supermarkets and we share the same holidays as you and so. There is a and we share the same holidays as you and so. There is a need. 2. And it's it's really as you and so. There is a need. 2. And it's it's really hard because a few years ago need. 2. And it's it's really hard because a few years ago we thought we'd made it. We
thought we've come We've come we thought we'd made it. We thought we've come We've come a long way and every single thought we've come We've come a long way and every single time you here but deiah and a long way and every single time you here but deiah and you say, OK, how can we find time you here but deiah and you say, OK, how can we find space within the dei a circle? you say, OK, how can we find space within the dei a circle? Let's get in the table with space within the dei a circle? Let's get in the table with and then to see that the Let's get in the table with and then to see that the advancements in this country and then to see that the advancements in this country for a lot of communities, not advancements in this country for a lot of communities, not just the Arab and Muslim for a lot of communities, not just the Arab and Muslim communities for the just the Arab and Muslim communities for the African-American communities, communities for the African-American communities, for women, for transgenders, African-American communities, for women, for transgenders, for all of these different for women, for transgenders, for all of these different communities is that you have for all of these different communities is that you have to keep advocating for your communities is that you have to keep advocating for your rights and advocating for your to keep advocating for your rights and advocating for your cause because the lesson we
learned that in this country. cause because the lesson we learned that in this country. Your rights can be taken away learned that in this country. Your rights can be taken away from So the Constitution isn't Your rights can be taken away from So the Constitution isn't as in trying as we thought So from So the Constitution isn't as in trying as we thought So we have to fight not only for as in trying as we thought So we have to fight not only for our own lights, we have to we have to fight not only for our own lights, we have to fight for the Constitution. We our own lights, we have to fight for the Constitution. We have to protect the fight for the Constitution. We have to protect the Constitution from people who have to protect the Constitution from people who want to violate the fabric of Constitution from people who want to violate the fabric of this country. And we are part want to violate the fabric of this country. And we are part of this fight. Yeah, I think this country. And we are part of this fight. Yeah, I think did a great job in summarizing of this fight. Yeah, I think did a great job in summarizing a lot of things. But did a great job in summarizing a lot of things. But >> what I think about is I'm a a lot of things. But >> what I think about is I'm a very proud American, right? My
I'm and 3rd, 4003th generation very proud American, right? My I'm and 3rd, 4003th generation >> my family, you know, I come I'm and 3rd, 4003th generation >> my family, you know, I come from veterans and so we are >> my family, you know, I come from veterans and so we are very proud Americans. But at from veterans and so we are very proud Americans. But at the same time, we are very very proud Americans. But at the same time, we are very proud Palestinians. So it's the same time, we are very proud Palestinians. So it's very difficult to win. You proud Palestinians. So it's very difficult to win. You have I can remember who said very difficult to win. You have I can remember who said it. But I think it was John have I can remember who said it. But I think it was John McCain. Someone asked John it. But I think it was John McCain. Someone asked John McCain McCain. Someone asked John McCain >> Obama's and right? And he
said, no, no, no, he's >> Obama's and right? And he said, no, no, no, he's actually a good guy. What does said, no, no, no, he's actually a good guy. What does that mean? Right? Family? He's actually a good guy. What does that mean? Right? Family? He's a good family guy. Right? And that mean? Right? Family? He's a good family guy. Right? And so it's like, what are you a a good family guy. Right? And so it's like, what are you a cool waiting Arabs to and so it's like, what are you a cool waiting Arabs to and that's in the mainstream cool waiting Arabs to and that's in the mainstream media, right, talking about that's in the mainstream media, right, talking about our president. And so when I media, right, talking about our president. And so when I see that, I say what what does our president. And so when I see that, I say what what does that mean for right? What does see that, I say what what does that mean for right? What does that mean for my my my family that mean for right? What does that mean for my my my family or you know, and and my that mean for my my my family or you know, and and my children. Similar to ends
situation. My my son is also children. Similar to ends situation. My my son is also in elementary school and it situation. My my son is also in elementary school and it has not been us pause. in elementary school and it has not been us pause. >> Both. has not been us pause. >> Both. >> It definitely has not been >> Both. >> It definitely has not been positive. So I think. >> It definitely has not been positive. So I think. >> For me, it's it's almost positive. So I think. >> For me, it's it's almost like even more are right and >> For me, it's it's almost like even more are right and an honor and a privilege to be like even more are right and an honor and a privilege to be here. But also it's a an honor and a privilege to be here. But also it's a privileged. It's for me to be here. But also it's a privileged. It's for me to be an American and to be able to privileged. It's for me to be an American and to be able to speak on behalf of identity an American and to be able to speak on behalf of identity that I have that this country speak on behalf of identity that I have that this country is failing. And as an that I have that this country is failing. And as an American, we have the duty to
make our country better. To American, we have the duty to make our country better. To criticize it so that it can make our country better. To criticize it so that it can become better because no one criticize it so that it can become better because no one or nothing and especially not become better because no one or nothing and especially not an institution is not about or nothing and especially not an institution is not about criticism and feedback and an an institution is not about criticism and feedback and an improvement. And so that's why criticism and feedback and an improvement. And so that's why I think that that's the improvement. And so that's why I think that that's the responsibility that I have. I think that that's the responsibility that I have. The honor that I have. And I responsibility that I have. The honor that I have. And I and all of you actually in The honor that I have. And I and all of you actually in this room. So thank you for and all of you actually in this room. So thank you for for doing that, too. Thank this room. So thank you for for doing that, too. Thank you. for doing that, too. Thank you. >> Just a reminder, we have
snow cards that we're just to >> Just a reminder, we have snow cards that we're just to the table along with pencils. snow cards that we're just to the table along with pencils. If anyone has any questions, the table along with pencils. If anyone has any questions, you'd like to submit, we can. If anyone has any questions, you'd like to submit, we can. We cut those. We're going move you'd like to submit, we can. We cut those. We're going move to the the 3rd aspect of panel We cut those. We're going move to the the 3rd aspect of panel discussion which is going to to the the 3rd aspect of panel discussion which is going to be Q and a is maybe maybe that take a is maybe maybe that take a step its first since he's
currently in high school the step its first since he's currently in high school the other palace can chime in, currently in high school the other palace can chime in, recognize that there are other palace can chime in, recognize that there are numerous options for LCPS in recognize that there are numerous options for LCPS in our communities to do better. numerous options for LCPS in our communities to do better. What are some of the things our communities to do better. What are some of the things that we're doing well, and What are some of the things that we're doing well, and will what can we build? So? that we're doing well, and will what can we build? So? You also with because I think will what can we build? So? You also with because I think there's a lot of good things You also with because I think there's a lot of good things that Dr Brewer had done and there's a lot of good things that Dr Brewer had done and then maybe you shed on that that Dr Brewer had done and then maybe you shed on that and see. then maybe you shed on that and see. >> What we can do to build top and see. >> What we can do to build top of that and then will So >> What we can do to build top of that and then will So that's oven. chairman. of that and then will So that's oven. chairman. >> Right. So Dr Brewer has has
done a great job, facilitating >> Right. So Dr Brewer has has done a great job, facilitating the NSA and all of our done a great job, facilitating the NSA and all of our requests such as prayer rooms the NSA and all of our requests such as prayer rooms and praying times day today we requests such as prayer rooms and praying times day today we talked to about it. We worked and praying times day today we talked to about it. We worked through it. And now I think talked to about it. We worked through it. And now I think for the pasta 2 or 3 years through it. And now I think for the pasta 2 or 3 years we've had prayer rooms Disney for the pasta 2 or 3 years we've had prayer rooms Disney did times that we've worked we've had prayer rooms Disney did times that we've worked out with doctor for based on did times that we've worked out with doctor for based on the Pier times a day because out with doctor for based on the Pier times a day because because they tend to shift the Pier times a day because because they tend to shift throughout the year and he is because they tend to shift throughout the year and he is gives as you guys can use this throughout the year and he is gives as you guys can use this room during this block and if
it if it then we let them know room during this block and if it if it then we let them know if not, we let him know that it if it then we let them know if not, we let him know that the ties the work because they if not, we let him know that the ties the work because they don't match up with the pair the ties the work because they don't match up with the pair times and then he he works don't match up with the pair times and then he he works accommodate. That's that's times and then he he works accommodate. That's that's really the main thing. He he accommodate. That's that's really the main thing. He he works to accommodate and some really the main thing. He he works to accommodate and some things that could be better. works to accommodate and some things that could be better. >> Maybe. Probably.
things that could be better. >> Maybe. Probably. >> By see Intel biases in the >> Maybe. Probably. >> By see Intel biases in the >> the? >> By see Intel biases in the >> the? >> The Web sites and sign is >> the? >> The Web sites and sign is that the teachers use >> The Web sites and sign is that the teachers use themselves a lot of times that the teachers use themselves a lot of times teachers will use more more themselves a lot of times teachers will use more more websites. Like, for example, teachers will use more more websites. Like, for example, Inglis. websites. Like, for example, Inglis. >> We're doing genocide Inglis. >> We're doing genocide project I was looking at the >> We're doing genocide project I was looking at the list and even though Palestine
is but is is a recognized as a list and even though Palestine is but is is a recognized as a genocide by multiple is but is is a recognized as a genocide by multiple international and unbiased genocide by multiple international and unbiased organizations. It wasn't on international and unbiased organizations. It wasn't on the list of countries that we organizations. It wasn't on the list of countries that we could do. And that was because the list of countries that we could do. And that was because our teacher had used a list could do. And that was because our teacher had used a list that was not from a a complete our teacher had used a list that was not from a a complete it was it was American that was not from a a complete it was it was American organization. Absolutely was it was it was American organization. Absolutely was was not unbiased. And so I had organization. Absolutely was was not unbiased. And so I had to try best to convince her to was not unbiased. And so I had to try best to convince her to let me do Palestine, which I to try best to convince her to let me do Palestine, which I just 16 and but after many
e-mails back and forth and just 16 and but after many e-mails back and forth and conversations in class yeah, e-mails back and forth and conversations in class yeah, baby, like kind of training 2 conversations in class yeah, baby, like kind of training 2 help and for tchers on how baby, like kind of training 2 help and for tchers on how to poll for more unbiased help and for tchers on how to poll for more unbiased sources. to poll for more unbiased sources. >> How? Maybe so that they may sources. >> How? Maybe so that they may want to China. How can Back in >> How? Maybe so that they may want to China. How can Back in equity committee help? What want to China. How can Back in equity committee help? What can they do better that that
you did that you see? can they do better that that you did that you see? >> I think that. you did that you see? >> I think that. >> In addition to, you know, >> I think that. >> In addition to, you know, the prayer rooms. I think the >> In addition to, you know, the prayer rooms. I think the LCPS is doing pretty well with the prayer rooms. I think the LCPS is doing pretty well with the language because they have LCPS is doing pretty well with the language because they have the interpreters. They have the language because they have the interpreters. They have the interpreters available in the interpreters. They have the interpreters available in the schools. But as you heard the interpreters available in the schools. But as you heard from me actually from all of the schools. But as you heard from me actually from all of us that language is not always from me actually from all of us that language is not always the barrier, right? It's more. us that language is not always the barrier, right? It's more. a little bit more complex than the barrier, right? It's more. a little bit more complex than that. I also think that it's
been pretty positive. The that. I also think that it's been pretty positive. The intention to include these been pretty positive. The intention to include these families, at least in our intention to include these families, at least in our school where we have that families, at least in our school where we have that coffee, Hispanic coffee and school where we have that coffee, Hispanic coffee and English-speaking coffee rate. coffee, Hispanic coffee and English-speaking coffee rate. It's there's an intention to English-speaking coffee rate. It's there's an intention to include these families, but It's there's an intention to include these families, but there's not much intention to include these families, but there's not much intention to understand these groups right? there's not much intention to understand these groups right? These the these are social understand these groups right? These the these are social event so that the families can These the these are social event so that the families can feel comfortable coming to the event so that the families can feel comfortable coming to the school. But there is no real
attempt at understanding who's school. But there is no real attempt at understanding who's in the room. What kind of attempt at understanding who's in the room. What kind of countries but kind of in the room. What kind of countries but kind of cultures. you know, we just countries but kind of cultures. you know, we just say, OK, Arabic speaking, cultures. you know, we just say, OK, Arabic speaking, coffee's, end. Farsi Diary, say, OK, Arabic speaking, coffee's, end. Farsi Diary, right? It it's not just the coffee's, end. Farsi Diary, right? It it's not just the Arab families. It's all of the right? It it's not just the Arab families. It's all of the Middle Eastern families. It Arab families. It's all of the Middle Eastern families. It all looked into one right. And Middle Eastern families. It all looked into one right. And that's OK, right? We want to all looked into one right. And that's OK, right? We want to be included. And we want to that's OK, right? We want to be included. And we want to have those opportunities to be included. And we want to have those opportunities to feel welcome in our schools. have those opportunities to feel welcome in our schools. But at the same time, the feel welcome in our schools. But at the same time, the school should take that as an But at the same time, the school should take that as an opportunity to get to know the school should take that as an opportunity to get to know the complexities of the cultures
that exist and the in their complexities of the cultures that exist and the in their school outside of as language that exist and the in their school outside of as language barriers. I also want to say school outside of as language barriers. I also want to say that mental health a great barriers. I also want to say that mental health a great resource that LCPS always that mental health a great resource that LCPS always prioritizes, which is great. resource that LCPS always prioritizes, which is great. There are other resources and prioritizes, which is great. There are other resources and I think especially for the There are other resources and I think especially for the teachers that are lacking. I think especially for the teachers that are lacking. There a lot our teachers. They teachers that are lacking. There a lot our teachers. They do so much. They're amazing. There a lot our teachers. They do so much. They're amazing. But they rely on the resources do so much. They're amazing. But they rely on the resources that are provided to them to But they rely on the resources that are provided to them to understand Arab American that are provided to them to understand Arab American Heritage Month or understand
Sharma Don. Heritage Month or understand Sharma Don. >> Or rush. Sean, whatever Sharma Don. >> Or rush. Sean, whatever right? but there are not a lot >> Or rush. Sean, whatever right? but there are not a lot of resources that are compiled right? but there are not a lot of resources that are compiled for the Arab American of resources that are compiled for the Arab American community to be able to train for the Arab American community to be able to train the teachers on understanding community to be able to train the teachers on understanding those differences so that I the teachers on understanding those differences so that I would say it's a lack of those differences so that I would say it's a lack of resources and a lack of would say it's a lack of resources and a lack of understanding the complexity resources and a lack of understanding the complexity of the community. That could understanding the complexity of the community. That could improve. of the community. That could improve. >> I think to be fair in improve. >> I think to be fair in comparison to some of our
neighboring districts. LCPS comparison to some of our neighboring districts. LCPS fares pretty well and it's a neighboring districts. LCPS fares pretty well and it's a sense of creating a sense of. fares pretty well and it's a sense of creating a sense of. What is the proactive care sense of creating a sense of. What is the proactive care for? Diversity there? I say What is the proactive care for? Diversity there? I say that these days I think for? Diversity there? I say that these days I think especially with Dr Spence is that these days I think especially with Dr Spence is very keen care for students especially with Dr Spence is very keen care for students will come from different very keen care for students will come from different backgrounds Doctor, Alice
Williams, the dei, a team as a backgrounds Doctor, Alice Williams, the dei, a team as a whole. And doctor Dean and the Williams, the dei, a team as a whole. And doctor Dean and the Equity committee. whole. And doctor Dean and the Equity committee. >> There is proactive Nest. Equity committee. >> There is proactive Nest. That is that must be >> There is proactive Nest. That is that must be highlighted and think and That is that must be highlighted and think and appreciated N where we can highlighted and think and appreciated N where we can improve on that. Their issues, appreciated N where we can improve on that. Their issues, for example, to highlight also improve on that. Their issues, for example, to highlight also to be back on what you said. for example, to highlight also to be back on what you said. Curriculum is a very important to be back on what you said. Curriculum is a very important issue for us. Curriculum is Curriculum is a very important issue for us. Curriculum is biased against tariffs against issue for us. Curriculum is biased against tariffs against Muslims particularly on the biased against tariffs against Muslims particularly on the high school level in the
elementary and middle school high school level in the elementary and middle school levels, its bias in the sense elementary and middle school levels, its bias in the sense of your razor where the levels, its bias in the sense of your razor where the narrative is not there in the of your razor where the narrative is not there in the high school as it starts narrative is not there in the high school as it starts presenting history. Politics high school as it starts presenting history. Politics GOP, you know the world, 2, 2 presenting history. Politics GOP, you know the world, 2, 2 high schoolers. There is a lot GOP, you know the world, 2, 2 high schoolers. There is a lot of bias and the resources. high schoolers. There is a lot of bias and the resources. There's a lot of bias in as of bias and the resources. There's a lot of bias in as well in censorship from staff There's a lot of bias in as well in censorship from staff and from teachers themselves. well in censorship from staff and from teachers themselves. So educating teachers as well. and from teachers themselves. So educating teachers as well. I know it's we're we're So educating teachers as well. I know it's we're we're treading into a very difficult I know it's we're we're treading into a very difficult climate right now. So there is
a there is an understanding climate right now. So there is a there is an understanding that we're all in this a there is an understanding that we're all in this together but I think there's a that we're all in this together but I think there's a lot of room for us to just to together but I think there's a lot of room for us to just to invite communities and lot of room for us to just to invite communities and stakeholders, particularly in. invite communities and stakeholders, particularly in. And mental health issues, stakeholders, particularly in. And mental health issues, which is something that we've And mental health issues, which is something that we've had several meetings with, which is something that we've had several meetings with, that that were arranged by the had several meetings with, that that were arranged by the Dei Department with United that that were arranged by the Dei Department with United Mental health services face, Dei Department with United Mental health services face, which is the office for family Mental health services face, which is the office for family and Community engagement and
as well as the curriculum and Community engagement and as well as the curriculum department. But meetings are as well as the curriculum department. But meetings are not enough for not taking department. But meetings are not enough for not taking initiative to actually follow not enough for not taking initiative to actually follow through and actually have this initiative to actually follow through and actually have this feedback that our community through and actually have this feedback that our community has been submitting for the feedback that our community has been submitting for the past, at least a year and a has been submitting for the past, at least a year and a half, if not 2 years following past, at least a year and a half, if not 2 years following through with actual actionable half, if not 2 years following through with actual actionable plans, a natural changes and through with actual actionable plans, a natural changes and definitely a lot of training plans, a natural changes and definitely a lot of training for the teachers, staff and definitely a lot of training for the teachers, staff and administrators for the teachers, staff and administrators >> if we don't have any more administrators >> if we don't have any more questions, I think we'll go >> if we don't have any more questions, I think we'll go ahead and will wrap up now.
And you guys get to go home >> I am just so excited. There >> I am just so excited. There are some names that I texted >> I am just so excited. There are some names that I texted my done at this in the room. are some names that I texted my done at this in the room. This and why isn't he here? my done at this in the room. This and why isn't he here? Why isn't This is wonderful. I This and why isn't he here? Why isn't This is wonderful. I will need your contact Why isn't This is wonderful. I will need your contact information so I can. Go the will need your contact information so I can. Go the extra step. Extra mile that
you have referenced. And I do extra step. Extra mile that you have referenced. And I do want you to know that just you have referenced. And I do want you to know that just recently the board voted. For want you to know that just recently the board voted. For a new program. And Chinese. recently the board voted. For a new program. And Chinese. It's a national study is. a new program. And Chinese. It's a national study is. Project and we just voted on It's a national study is. Project and we just voted on last week. And so so that Project and we just voted on last week. And so so that would be So feel free. Also to last week. And so so that would be So feel free. Also to reach out to the social
department. Daniel is just reach out to the social department. Daniel is just wonderful. So she is heading department. Daniel is just wonderful. So she is heading that miss this llevan. So that wonderful. So she is heading that miss this llevan. So that would be a perfect location as that miss this llevan. So that would be a perfect location as well. I was just sitting that would be a perfect location as well. I was just sitting that was just go and I'm going well. I was just sitting that was just go and I'm going Okay. And I promise you that was just go and I'm going Okay. And I promise you that we will share your sharing. Okay. And I promise you that we will share your sharing. And you will get back from me we will share your sharing. And you will get back from me personally. If there's no new And you will get back from me personally. If there's no new business for this committee. I
think that the presenters will business for this committee. I think that the presenters will be happy for you to come up think that the presenters will be happy for you to come up speak with them. The meeting be happy for you to come up speak with them. The meeting is now adjourned. 7.45? 6? A speak with them. The meeting is now adjourned. 7.45? 6? A at that size 6.45?