Diversity Development Project; "40 Ways To Raise A Non-Racist Child" Panel Discussion

Business Wire, Oct 22, 1998

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 1998--Parent and Student Seminars (P.A.S.S.), an educational consultant group, has announced a first-of-its-kind Diversity Development Project.

The Project has targeted nine specific areas for diversity development: education, human services, media, race/culture, corporations, government, families, physically challenged and gender. Initially, the Project will focus on the areas of education and race/culture.

Diversity workgroups and sessions are the current focus within the workplace and schools. In one sample school district of 23,000 children, there are as many as 40 different languages spoken.

The district has a multi-ethnic population made up of 38.3% Hispanic, 18.5% White, 15% Vietnamese, 9.9% Filipino, 5.6% African American, 6.4% Asian, and .75% Native American students. Initially, the Diversity Development Project will deal with re-engineering how this diverse population is educated and prepared for the diverse workplace in the coming century.

Over the past year, a group of committed community leaders, and those with expertise in the field of diversity, have met to develop concepts and the project mission statement.

Members of the committee include (alphabetically): Travis Casper, Chairperson, Disability Advisory Commission, City of San Jose; Dr. Roberto Cruz, President, National Hispanic University; Elvira De La Vega, Executive Director, Filipino Chamber of Commerce; Nguyet Dinh, Administrator, Language Minority Programs, East Side Union High School District; Dr. Cobie Kwazi Harris, SJSU Department Head -- African- American Studies; James McGhee, Board President, African-American Parent Coalition; Thuan Nguyen, President, Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara County; Hon. Nancy Pyle, Trustee, Evergreen/San Jose Community College District; Winona Sample, Executive Director, American Indian Education Ctr., Inc.; Jacqueline C. Simon, Principal Development Consultant and Chief Executive Officer, JCS Business Development Consultant Group; Pat Souza, Superintendent, Oak Grove School District; and Chester R. Stevens, Project Chairman.

The Project is committed to providing the "missing conversations" integral to our forward movement in education, race relations and diversity.

According to creator and Project Chairman, Chester Stevens, "We believe that by exploring the subject of race and diversity through proactive and strategic dialogue, we promote awareness, unity, corporate and community partnerships, national resources, and personal responsibility."

Jacqueline C. Simon, Principal Consultant for the project, states, "In my 20 years experience in this field, the Diversity Development Project is one of the most unique projects regarding this subject matter. It has the potential of having a profound impact on the way we think and feel about each other. This project has the broadest range of systems, working in partnership, toward a user-friendly environment in which to start the dialog and "missing conversations" that are needed in our society -- now -- more than ever before."

The first event is a discussion with Barbara Mathias and Mary Ann French, authors of the book, 40 Ways To Raise A Non-racist Child. Participants in the discussion will consist of corporate, community and educational panelists. The seminar, for invited guests, will be held at the Apple Computer campus facilities in Cupertino, Calif. The scheduled dates are Nov. 20 and 21, 1998.

Key sponsors include Compaq Computers, Apple Computer, Denny's Corporation, Indian Currents Magazine, East Side Union High School District, Oak Grove School District, Cupertino School District, Fremont School District, DeAnza-Foothill Community College District, San Jose State University and devoted supporters from many other corporations.

The Diversity Development Project is the brainchild of P.A.S.S. and is sponsored in part by the African American Parent Coalition, as well as private corporations, educational institutions and community organizations. For more information please contact Chester R. Stevens 408/629-7277, or Jacqueline C. Simon 408/793-5255.

Note to Editors: Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.