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  Case: De-emphasize Differences.
I was recently assigned to the middle school in the Warren School District. The district serves a community that had once been an all-white middle-class enclave, but has recently become more diverse in its ethnic makeup. I am very interested in multicultural education. I instituted the use of dialog journals in my adviser group, telling the students that they can write anything they want. Some journal entries cause me concern. Warren Jackson, an African American, complains that my emphasis on African American culture embarrasses him. Gail Smith, a white girl, writes that her parents object strongly to her affection for Warren Jackson and that she is considering suicide. My problems come to a head in my first meeting with the principal. The principal suggests that I decrease his use of small groups, that I abandon my dialogue journals, and that I de-emphasize the multicultural aspects of my classes. He suggests that I emphasize similarities, not differences. I don't know what to do. I do think that my methods have some value but I cannot go against my principal.
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
Based on Warren's comments, it does sound like it might be good to shift your focus a little. This doesn't mean to totally neglect multiculturalism, but to make sure you are presenting it in a way that will benefit students. If it is making some of the minority students feel singled out, that is not what you are trying for. At the middle school age, students are noticing racial differences and starting to form their internal stereotypes based on that. By focusing on differences you can drive a deeper wedge between races. Students will notice the differences on their own. So spending a little less time on the differences (even when putting these differences in a positive light) and more time on showing them how they are similar and that they are really the same on the inside is a good idea.

Concerning Gail's comments, I would go to the school counselor immediately since Gail mentioned suicidal thoughts. This is something that needs to be addressed before she takes things any further.