AHS Should Strive Toward Achieving Greater Diversity at School

Here at Aurora High School, we look around and predominantly see two types of people: white males and white females. When there is such an overwhelming population, the minority races can feel overpowered.

According to publicschoolreview.com, there is a 10% minority student population at Aurora, 18% lower than the state’s average. We have zero minority members on the staff of Aurora High School. If 10% of our students are of a minority, isn’t it reasonable to hire a teacher to at least represent that 10%?

A lack of diversity in both the student population and the staff can make it difficult for the few people of color to connect on everyday issues, as well as academic issues. Secondly, a lack of diversity can strengthen one point of view on topics rather than opening the discussion to other perspectives that a person of color could offer.

After getting the perspectives of a few black students at the school the general conclusion was that they feel that their voices can’t be heard/won’t be listened to. Some minority students feel that hiring a teacher of their race would give them individual empowerment. Being able to see someone like them successful in an overbearingly white community brings a feeling of comfort.

The first step towards a solution to this problem is simply stating that it exists. Being a white student, I didn’t realize this was an issue until a black friend of mine mentioned it, and I realized how real it truly was. By opening the discussion between students and faculty, we can begin to establish a pathway towards a more inclusive education for the minorities in our school.

As stated to me through some minority students here at Aurora, introducing them to role models will encourage them to set higher expectations for themselves and continue to improve.