Equity isn’t equality. Equity means to meet the needs of everyone in a fair manner. Greeley West sees equity as a work in progress.
The Greeley West’s Equity Committee is a program students can join to get their voices heard. Students involved in the committee can choose from a surplus of different focal points that need equitable representation. Students in the Equity Committee are invited to teacher’s meetings to share their opinions and experiences on topics like grading practices, health and safety, and fostering engaging classrooms.
Teachers and students are aiming to implement actionable measures for their equity-related discussions this year. Social Studies teacher, Ms. Lea Sandford, who used to sponsor the Student Equity Committee, has pointed out the lack of progress made in terms of equity in previous years. “I was frustrated by the lack of action, I felt very passionately and we had some productive conversations, but after three years I felt that it was best to switch over to our LGBTQ+ group to focus on advocating for that population,” Sanford stated.
The new sponsor, English teacher Ms. Brianna Tanner, has recognized the lack of action and is focusing on how to implement the strategies discussed in equity groups. “The district is training us on how to create action plans for our work so that we actually have something going forth. We set goals on how to implement action and hope to continue our growth,” Tanner shared.
Sophomore Kait Marshall is dedicated to moving forward with the Student Equity Committee this year after being involved in it last year. She recognizes the importance of taking actionable measures to address equity-related discussions and hopes to make progress in this area. “Equity gives students a voice in how things are taught in their classrooms and things that are important to them. It gives students the power and opportunity to have a voice and share their opinions with teachers,” Marshall said.
Students should see Tanner if they are interstested in joining an equity team. A
