The Issaquah High School Art Department acknowledges that racism and marginalization exists within our school community.
It is our mission to provide education and encourage student action through visual and media arts to interrupt bias, oppression and inequity on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, age, income, appearance and ability, and all other marginalized groups throughout our institution. We strongly believe that the arts exemplify and amplify the fight against social injustices. In our department, students learn about societal, cultural, and historical contexts of racism, reflect and respond to bigotry through art, and continue to deepen their understanding of the world around them. The Art Department at IHS strives to be a safe space where students are valued for their differences, and cherished for the unique history, beliefs, traditions, and perspectives they bring. We know that students thrive in environments that are socially and culturally aware, and where educators are responsive to students’ needs. Our doors are always open to our students and to their feedback about ways we can better support them and to improve our practice of anti-racism. To all our students, and especially to our BIPOC students: We care about you deeply. Your presence, your point of view, and your voices are important to us and to our community. |