Multicultural Statement for Dr. David Sklarz

I have spent my last 20 years in education devoting myself to leadership in multicultural school districts dedicated to embracing diversity, celebrating differences, and closing the gap between rich, poor, black, brown, white, abled, disabled, the intellectually gifted, and the challenged. I have studied the issues, written and presented papers on multiculturalism, and most of all, practiced what I have preached. I have made a difference through my experience and inspirational leadership from Charleston, South Carolina, where the issues of diversity are deeply rooted and centuries old, to Santa Cruz, California where celebrating diversity define the entire community, to West Hartford, Connecticut, where changing demographics have occurred over the last decade. There is no one singular issue that I am more passionate about then recognizing and celebrating diversity. Giving true lasting meaning to diversity and multiculturalism is hard work and a relentless commitment. It can't be legislated or mandated from the top down, it must be instilled in every child, embraced by an entire community, practiced in every classroom, shopping mall, on every street, and in every house. It is more than just about the color of ones skin, the language they speak, their economic means, or intellectual abilities. It is sensitivity to the autistic child in the theater, the child with two mommies, the teen whose home is the street, and the child who is bullied just because he is different. It is more than just the bumper sticker on your car, the politically correct cocktail party conversation, or writing a mission statement. It is about understanding and appreciating differences and believing that diversity is not only the right thing to do but also that it is a moral imperative to make a difference. It requires courageous leadership within our schools, City Hall, on campuses, and most of all, in the home. Schools cannot make the difference alone. I have presented a paper on several occasions that describes in great detail how multiculturalism must be infused in all that we do within our schools. From hiring practice, professional development training, text book selection, curriculum revision, music at concerts, plays on stage, or the sports we offer, it is about inclusion where there is unintentional exclusion, assisting the disenfranchised to be more involved, to give a voice to the voices, to empower the disempowered. It is never settling for less and continually raising expectations. Progress is not made over night, but over time. It is a community and an educational system pre-k through graduate school defining itself and it's mission, and holding itself publicly accountable until that mission is achieved. I have attached a paper I wrote a number of years ago that may be somewhat outdated in some strategies specifically. However, our total commitment to multiculturalism in everything we do from how we spend our time, resources, energy and funds is never outdated. Santa Cruz, California, may be in the forefront on the West Coast; I believe the Amherst Pelham communities can and will be the leader models for the East Coast. The most recent election affirmed that we as a country have been ready to embrace diversity. It has also told the seedier part of the story, that there is a sad element of America where racism is as strong as ever. We may never change everyone in our communities, but we must never stop trying. It is once again our moral imperative to educate our children and invest in the next generation and as such, touch the future. Yes, we can.