Equity Unscripted

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District is excited to relaunch Equity Unscripted in a fresh podcast format! This podcast will showcase Shaker Heights Schools' journey in seeking educational equity, which is based on the principles of fairness and equity in allocating resources, opportunity, treatment and the creation of success for each student. These conversations -- which feature the challenges, successes and goals of the District’s efforts -- are intended to push our community to reflect deeper and go further.

Episodes will release every two weeks on Sundays, and can be found on Apple, Spotify or whatever platform you find your podcasts. Be sure to like and subscribe for all the latest content!

All episodes can be found at the following links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equity-unscripted/id1591709256

Spotify: https://sptfy.com/6FT1

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B08JJMMGJ5

Episode 1: "Meet the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department"

Our inaugural episode will introduce you to members of the Shaker Heights Schools DEI Department - what they do, how they do it, what their focus is and where they want their work to have the most impact. Hosted by Danielle Tall, our Shaker Heights High School student DEI intern, this inside look into our unique department will lay the groundwork for what’s to come on Equity Unscripted.

Episode 2: "Meet the FACE Center"

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center is an integral part of the DEI Department at Shaker Heights Schools. Listen in as Keith Langford talks about his role in the district and the impact that has on families and educational equity with Shaker parent Heather Macks.

Episode 3: "How to Discuss Being an Anti-Racist at the Dinner Table and Beyond"

Shaker Heights students Jaimee Martin and Carrington Hughes and parent Dr. Jenna Rehmer join us this week to discuss the importance of being an anti-racist and having tough conversations about race at the dinner table and beyond. Join us as we explore the challenges and growth that come from calling out racist behaviors, and the opportunities that await families who dare to tackle these sensitive topics. For more resources on talking with students of all ages, check out the DEI Resource Collection.

Episode 4: "How to Avoid Further Marginalizing Cultures"

Shaker staff members Jill Lasheen and Brittany Webb sit down with DEI Coordinator Tiara Sargeant to discuss what it means to be part of a traditionally marginalized community at school, how we can create inclusive environments throughout our schools and how small acts of acknowledgement can have a big impact on all students in our classrooms. We also discuss how our entire community can be especially aware of others around times of holiday seasons.

Episode 5 - "Accessibility - What does it mean and how can we do better?"

In this episode, we are joined for two discussions. The first is with Reverand Chris Smith to discuss what it is like to be a parent navigating the world of school accessibility with and on behalf of their child. Then, we are joined by Shaker Heights Schools Chief Operating Officer Jeff Grosse and Van Aulken Akins architect Chris Dewey to discuss how Shaker Heights Schools currently serve our students and staff and how we can create a more accessible learning environment through the Forward Together initiative.

Episode 6 - "What does Martin Luther King, Jr's Legacy mean to you?"

This week, Shaker Heights staff member Tracy Williams is joined by three MAC Scholars to discuss the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy on them, their community and the Shaker Heights Schools. Learn more about the impact of the MAC Scholars program from primary school through high school in this poignant discussion.

Equity Unscripted Video Archives

Equity Unscripted began as a video series of one-on-one interviews before evolving into its current podcast discussion form. To view the original Equity Unscripted video series, click here.