2018-2020 

Spearheaded by the Lake Union Conference Education director Linda Fuchs, an invitation was extended to Dr. Heather Thompson-Day to share on this timely subject with the Lake Union Education team. Dr. Day’s presentation was intended to bring awareness to how the environment of one’s upbringing has the potential for defining our adulthood connections and perspectives of people. She reminded  the Education team that we are who we are by virtue of the defined picture of our world, our bubble in which we existed. Dr. Day charged the Education team to personally increase their individual diverse cultural understanding and connections to fully realize the richness and beauty inherent in humanity’s diversity.  

Dr. Ruth Horton, associate Education director, shared with the Michigan Conference teachers at their August Convention on the topic, “Promises to Keep. . . Justice, Equity, Love: The Debt Owed Every Student.” Attendees reviewed the societal shifts and realities emerging out of the  diaspora  — the four great migrations, historical context generating the cultural milieu from which students, their parents and grandparents emerged.

Additionally, Dr. Horton provided a snapshot of the  response of the Seventh-day Adventist Church during that critical time in our church’s history;  explored the notion of possible blind spots and unconscious biases that can be manifested in the school and classroom settings; and engaged in identifying and suggesting approaches to effectively  teach both homogeneous and diverse student populations. 

The final segment of this two-hour forum allowed for further reflection on the diverse perspectives of what is taught and how the content is delivered; explored ways educators can prepare students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate in a diverse community and world. 

Lastly, attendees were encouraged to reflect on how they would safely facilitate and manage differences of students’ opinions in the classroom setting while simultaneously working productively alongside parents and school boards  in these matters. In essence, Dr. Horton  encouraged  educators to emulate the example of our  Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, in matters of justice, equity and love. It’s a debt owed to our students.