Why does AS#1 have a focus on social justice and equity?
AS#1 has always focused on recognizing and working to correct imbalances and discrimination that harm students in their pursuit of education. As a school community we strive to create a bias-free learning environment, where students, families, teachers and staff all feel valued for being who they are. In recent years our active Equity Committee has begun focusing on institutional racism and how it affects students and families at AS#1 and in the communities around us. This work is not being done because AS#1 has an issue with racism, but because we recognize that all institutions are structured to best meet the needs of white, middle to upper class people and we want our school to effectively serve all students. AS#1 is the only Seattle Public School where all members of the staff and faculty have completed anti-racism trainings at the People’s Institute. Our students participate in our Columbus Day awareness program, have access to our anti-racism library and voluntarily take part in
