In the heart of a buzzing school atmosphere, students are redirected to learn about an important topic. The Diversity Assembly, held in both the cafeteria and small auditorium with a number of student speakers, promoted awareness of the racial and social segregation that is seen on Costa’s campus. During the assembly, student volunteers shared their specific experiences facing insensitive comments and racist banter. Sophomore speaker Sofia Morales spoke in the small auditorium about her personal journey at Costa and explained her intentions as a Equity, Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion (EDSJI) member.
“EDSJI is a committee promoting equity and inclusion to all communities at Costa and connecting admin,” says Morales. “I joined to represent LSU the Latinos scholar Union and I got involved due to wanting to connect to my Hispanic roots and getting a formal invite from my great teacher, Miss Hutchinson.”
Through the exemplary anecdotes of the student speakers, audience members begin to connect with their peers and are exposed to a whole new perspective of a student on Costa’s campus. Specifically, Morales mentions how the city of Manhattan Beach is relatively isolated from the problems that greater Los Angeles faces.
“It has a lot to do with the Manhattan Beach culture,” says Morales. “The affluent ‘white’ society creates a segregated society where minorities feel more disconnected.”
The assembly sought to divert more attention to being an upstander rather than a bystander when witnessing offensive comments in action. Morales mentions that this can only begin when students take it upon themselves to be proactive.
“I volunteered because I have personal experiences coming from a different district with different demographics,” Morales says. “Students should understand that it comes from individual effort rather than to rely on other groups to start the trend first.”
The assembly also promoted ways to act and stand up to negligent remarks on campus, revealing helpful resources that students have access to, like Sprigeo.
“I hope the assembly helped students realize a different perspective, whether they don’t experience prejudiced opinions and reactions,” Morales says. “Not everyone is privileged.”
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