An Invitation for a Community Conversation: Amplifying Diverse Voices in Connecticut K-12 Schools 

The Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative invites you to a Community Conversation on May 13 on Amplifying Diverse Voices in Connecticut K-12 Schools at the Riverfront Community Center (300 Welles Street). This free event will begin with a reception at 6:30 PM and a panel discussion will follow at 7:00 PM. Registration will be provided at the door.

As Connecticut has become more diverse over the years, lawmakers have added requirements to the curriculums of our public schools in order to broaden their awareness and amplify all voices and perspectives. Following passage of a law on African American and Latino studies instruction and elective courses in 2019, Connecticut added Native American studies in 2021 and more recently Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) instruction in 2022.  

Join us to hear from advocates on the history of these initiatives and how more diverse education benefits us all. We will also hear from the Connecticut Department of Education on efforts to adopt the new curriculum requirements and a representative from Glastonbury Public Schools on implementation challenges as well as successes and impact on students.

The speakers include Steve Armstrong, Social Studies Consultant, Connecticut State Department of Education; Jason Chang, UConn Asian and Asian American Studies Institute Director; and, Brendan Callahan, Director of History & Social Studies at Glastonbury Public Schools. Robert Rader, Retired Executive Director of the CT Association of Boards of Education and current GMLKCI board member, will act as moderator.

The Glastonbury MLK Community Initiative’s mission is to increase knowledge about, and understanding of, the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and to provide leadership and active engagement to build an inclusive community. We believe that bringing people together to discuss openly and honestly important issues relating to social justice will help build a more inclusive and tolerant community.

We believe – especially in today's climate – that we must identify common ground between and among citizens rather than continue to exploit differences. In this way, we can foster meaningful relationships and dialogue and forge a better community. 

For more information, please contact glastonburyMLKCI@gmail.com.