Tag: diversity
Annandale High School students launch an Equity Team to combat racial bias
The Annandale High School Class of 2021. Students at Annandale High School formed an Equity Team with the goal of creating a climate at the school that is more responsive to students from diverse backgrounds. “I see so many instances where people from underrepresented groups are not supported or face implicit bias from teachers, coaches, and … Continued
Thomas Jefferson HS alumni demand a more equitable admissions process
TJ alumni at a protest outside the school on Oct. 4. [Photos: TJAAG] Members of the TJ Alumni Action Group (TJAAG) held a rally in front of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Oct. 4 to urge Fairfax County Public Schools to drop the test-based admissions system in favor of a merit-based lottery. … Continued
Advocates urge Fairfax County to address racial disparities in policing
A use of force incident in Fairfax County in June captured on a police body camera. The officer was arrested for assault. [WJLA] The Fairfax County Police Department needs to do a better job of eliminating racial disparities in the use of force and improve relationships with immigrant communities. Those were among the key issues … Continued
FCPS considers new admissions plan to increase diversity at TJ
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology [Keith Pham] Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has presented recommendations to the school board to revise the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to give historically underrepresented students – African Americans and Hispanics – a better shot at attending. Admissions … Continued
Annandale church celebrates Juneteenth with rally in support of Black Lives Matter
By Roberta Croll Despite the rain, over 25 people demonstrated in front of Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale on Friday, Juneteenth, in support of Black Lives Matter and against violence and brutality. Since its founding in 1955, Little River United Church of Christ has been celebrating diversity, independent thought, and … Continued
Very few black students accepted to TJ
Thomas Jefferson High School is on Braddock Road in Mason District. Updated June 15. Of the 486 students accepted to the Class 2024 at the elite Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ), very few of them are African American and only 16 are Hispanic, Fairfax County Public Schools reports. [Clarification: School officials … Continued
Fairfax County board chair creates task force on equity
Local residents march for racial justice along Columbia Pike in Annandale. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, at its June 9 meeting, issued a statement condemning the “senseless murder of George Floyd” and affirming that “Black Lives Matter.” Board chair Jeffrey McKay announced plans to form a Task Force on Equity and Opportunity to “bring … Continued
School principals: Racism and hate have no place in the Falls Church Pyramid
The principals of the schools in the Falls Church High School Pyramid issued a message expressing “sadness and outrage about the instances of racism and hate that have occurred in our country during the last few weeks, and over the course of time.” [UPDATE: Principals in the Annandale and Justice pyramids subsequently issued similar messages.] … Continued
Public invited to governor’s Diversity Forum
Add caption Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s office is hosting five Diversity Forums around the state, including one at the James Lee Community Center, March 25, 6-8:30 p.m. At these sessions, members of the community can provide input on Virginia’s first-ever Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. The James Lee Community Center is at 2855 … Continued
ReelAbilities Film Festival promotes awareness of people with different abilities
A scene from “Cheers of JOY.” The ReelAbilities Film Festival, Feb. 20-March 1, offers films that promote awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. The films – a mix of dramas, documentaries, and shorts – are screened at various venues throughout the region, including the Pozez Jewish … Continued
NAACP report gives most supervisors D or C grades on criminal justice issues
Officers from the Mason Police District speak at a forum on police/community relations in October 2016 sponsored by Communities of Trust, an initiative of Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova and the Fairfax County NAACP. The Fairfax County NAACP gives most of the county’s supervisors a grade of C or D in supporting policies aimed … Continued
Youth art inspires dialogue on community
Students display the art they created in the Youth Re-Imagining Community initiative. “Most people think we’re different, but we’re all human.” That’s the message Susy Virgas, a 9th-grader at Falls Church High School, wanted to convey with her artwork – and it’s also one of the key themes that emerged from a community dialogue May … Continued
Immigrant activists vow to continue the fight, despite Trump’s win
From the left: Dong Yoon Kim, Genie Nguyen, Leni Gonzalez, Lenka Mendoza, and Edgar Aranda-Yanoc. “We will continue to push forward our immigrant families’ voices to stand up for our rights and fight back against hate and fear,” said Dong Yoon Kim, program director of the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) at … Continued
Summer youth program focuses on community issues, social justice
The National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) is launching a summer program for high school students aimed at educating youths about community issues and developing progressive leaders among the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Participants in the first-ever Summer Youth Empowerment Program – about 10-15 youths – will meet three days a … Continued
Culmore Multicultural Day brings community together
Angela Skolnitsky, with the Monarcha in Flight aerial dance group. The 10th annual Culmore Multicultural Day drew hundreds of local residents of all ages to the Woodrow Wilson Library parking lot April 2 to enjoy a diverse mix of music and dance performances. Culmore Multicultural Day brings families together. The event, sponsored by the Fairfax … Continued