The language of racism has evolved and we must be attuned to these changes to be DEI advocates in our international schools. Through this workshop we'll dissect the overt and/or covert language used in our schools that have racialized undertones, such as “DEI is only an American issue”.

Together, we'll reveal the story of color blind racism in our schools. We will capture the phenomena that is not unique to one school, but indicative of the nature of how racism is pervasive across our international schools globally. Participants will leave the meeting with learning and applying the Speak up at School tool to interrupt and question language that perpetuates colorblind racism.

Meet the Presenters:

Angela Maez is the Elementary School Curriculum Coordinator at the International School of Beijing. Angela has strong roots grounded in social justice and equity work particularly centered in expression through the arts. Angela's greatest motivation for engaging in this important work is to eliminate the trauma caused by bias and racism in our schools.

Kathlyn Paananen started at International School Beijing last school year in the newly created role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader. She has lived in China for three years while completing her Masters in Race, Education, and Decolonial Thought from Leeds Beckett University and holds a Masters in Public Administration. She is passionate about building the capacity of schools and organizations to equitably serve children and families through collective impact.