Book Bans: A Model for DEIB Literacy and Advocacy
This year, we are combining our SEED framework, which creates conversational communities to drive change, with actionable items for civic engagement. Do you want to read excerpts of some of the Humanities texts our Middle School students are reading? Do you want to practice how to approach conversations about diversity? Do you want to advocate for causes you are passionate about while inspiring younger generations to get involved? Then Book Bans: A Model for DEIB Literacy and Advocacy is for you!
Dr. Lorna Torrado, our DEIB and SEL Director, and Esha R. Clearfield, M.A. and M.P.Aff, 8th-grade parent and policy expert, are joining forces to co-facilitate a workshop that combines diversity literacy with civic engagement.
Parents are invited to join this year-long workshop to read and discuss a selection of GSA Middle School Humanities texts while learning about nation-wide Book Bans. Members will walk away with a stronger understanding of how to get involved in important social movements and take action towards causes they are passionate about.
When: Monthly 2-hour meeting on campus (day + time TBD by a doodle poll)
What: A total of 6 meetings + one final group dinner!
General outline:
October – Book Bans: Historical Context and Current Status
November – Middle School Reading Selection + Conversation
January – Book Bans: Key Players and Battlegrounds (National & Local)
February – Middle School Reading Selection + Conversation
March – Book Bans: What Can We Do?
April – Middle School Reading Selection + Conversation
May – Group Dinner + Conversation + Next Steps
No childcare? No problem! We’ll have 8th graders on campus for your babysitting needs (This is part of their year-long fund-raising events for their 2024 Class Gift).
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Lorna (ltorrado@thegirlsschool.org).
Please RSVP by September 20th.
Parent Education Opportunities- RSVP
BIOS
Lorna Torrado joined the GSA faculty in 2014. Dr. Torrado completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Modern Spanish-American Literature at The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in race, gender, and cultural discourses and theory. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico and her Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in Romance Languages and Literature. She has experience in nonprofit management and has been involved in a number of projects with nonprofits in Austin. She also has more than 20 years of teaching experience in the United States and Latin America. Lorna is part of the SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) National Staff and has been leading SEED seminars for GSA faculty, parents, and students since 2017. She has also participated in the Equity Design Lab offered by the National Association of Independent Schools.
Esha R. Clearfield, M.A. and M.P.Aff., has conducted research and managed projects for the nonprofit and policy sectors for over 25 years. She has staffed and/or managed performance reviews, conducted benchmark research and policy analysis, provided policy guidance and technical assistance, and conducted housing needs assessments and market analyses. In 2017, Esha founded Enriched Family, which supports busy professional parents with educational and enrichment options for their children, family organization solutions and resources, and practical, problem-solving coaching. Esha also continues to provide project management consulting to select public policy clients. Esha received her B.A. in Anthropology with honors from UNC Asheville. She also holds master’s degrees in Public Affairs and Latin American Studies from UT Austin.