​All Sutton High School 9th graders have the opportunity to participate in a 6 week workshop series that addresses how we think and talk about issues of race, bias, and privilege. Our workshops use the ADL’s “World of Difference” curriculum as a basis for each lesson. The World of Difference curriculum is peer reviewed and helps students understand these important concepts, and how they impact their lives - and the lives of those around them.

   Why we have Connections & Ground Rules

• Students participate in some fun ‘icebreakers’ to get conversations going as a large group in the gymnasium.
• Principal addresses the class, discusses the importance of making our school a safe place for everyone
• Students break into their smaller groups - “families” and create a list of norms & ground rules to guide their time together

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   What is Diversity?

• Students come up with a definition of the word ‘Diversity’.
• Students discuss the many types of diversity, some visible (physical appearance, e.g.) - some not (socio-economic class, sexual orientation, e.g.)
• Students watch “Being 12” video from New York Times and discuss the impact of discriminatory/prejudicial behavior on young people.

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   What is Discrimination?

• Students learn about the difference between individual discrimation and systemic discrimination.
• Students watch the video “The Lunch Date” and discuss the dangers of making assumptions of people based on their perceived identities.

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   What is Bias?

• Students learn about the difference between implicit and explicit bias.
• Students watch the New York Times Video “Peanut butter, Jelly, and Racism”
• Student watch the video “Silent Beats”
• Students discuss the importance of understanding our own biases, and how we can make sure they don’t lead to hurtful behavior.

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   What are Microaggressions?
​   What is Privilege?

• Students learn what microaggressions are, and how they can be hurtful.
• Students watch the MTV series “Look Different” and discuss how these are/aren’t seen in schools.
• Students discuss the concept of privilege, and learn how we can use our privilege to help others.
• Students watch the MTV Video “Why Does Privilege Make People So Angry?”

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   How do I stand up for others?
   How do I make my school a better place?

• Students discuss the concept of ‘Allyiship’.
• Students watch the video “Cracking the Codes” on standing up for others.
• Students watch the video “Unsung Hero” and discuss how small acts of doing the right thing can lead to a better world.