In Wednesday’s Dialogues Across Differences workshops, students and teachers reflected on the ideas of sympathy and empathy. Students role played various conversations with teachers and friends and considered how to respond to issues showcasing empathy. The ongoing Wednesday discussion series has allowed students in small groups to meet with a trusted adult and several peers to share ideas about identity, diversity, stereotyping, friendship, and acceptance. This middle school-wide program was developed over the last two years to build deeper, more honest conversations and allow students to develop a sense of community and shared humanity and help learn productive ways to respond to discrimination.
