High school students continue conversation on diversity

A group of high school students from Kaw Valley League schools plans to continue a conversation on diversity on Wednesday. (Photo from the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools)

by Kaela Williams, Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District

Students at Bonner Springs High School are preparing to hold a second session in a series on diversity among Kaw Valley League schools.

The first meeting took place in November at Piper High School.

Rick Moulin, principal at Bonner Springs High School, said students were eager to keep the conversation going.

“We looked at social issues within our school, within our league, and what we could do to help promote cultural differences and understanding,” Moulin said. “Our students asked that we host the second event, so we began planning.”

The meeting is set to double the number of participants from six students per school to 12. Students work in small groups to discuss the kinds of diversity that exist in each school and how students in those diverse groups are treated. The discussion then continues on to what students can do to advocate for others.

Maryam Zlitni, a junior at Bonner Springs High School, said her peers were all hoping to make a difference.

“In the end, our ultimate goal is to identify the problems and take actions to make our peers feel as safe as possible in their school and community,” she said.

The next diversity summit will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Bonner Springs High School.

Kaela Williams is the communications coordinator for the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools.