33.3% of students at Millard South High School identified as a minority. That’s almost 870 students out of the 2,607 in attendance. 870 students who don’t have a voice. 870 students who experience some sort of injustice at the place that should be their second home. 870 students who need someone to stand up for them and make sure their voices are heard and that’s what Millard South’s very own Diversity Council is trying to do.
“Diversity Council is a safe place for people of color to express their opinions and/or on race related issues in school.”
As explained by freshman Erick Mendez “Our main objective is to spread awareness.” But of course these are just words. How exactly does the Diversity Council accomplish their goals? What do they actually do?
3rd year member of council Junior Pakouma Billa states “Council Conversations are one of biggest events…They really help the environment feel more welcoming.”
When asked what are council conversations she replied “Council Conversations are just like the name conversations. They are conversations between 4-5 staff members and 1-2 council members. The council members come prepared with questions but most times everyone just starts going off-script and you have a real conversation.”
Now we know what Diversity Council does for the students at Millard South but what does it do for the students on council? Why do they join Diversity Council? First year member on council Sophomore Olivia Caroll recalls “I immediately clicked with the other members and I felt like I finally found a place where I could be myself.”
2nd year member on council sophomore Zainab Ashari said, “The members are really accepting and all share their own personal experiences.”
Freshman Ladon Idris states as well “Everyone is very welcoming even if you are new.”
Our Millard South Diversity Council is dedicated to making a change and hopefully all their efforts won’t go unnoticed. Hopefully they accomplish their goal and make our school and community feel more inclusive and diverse.
