By Gillian Rees – News Editor

Jonathan Law is hosting a Student Voices Matter Forum on Friday, April 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend the forum where they can talk, share, and learn with and from each other throughout the day. The topics at the forum will include equity, social justice, pandemic struggles, and more. Advocate News Editor Gillian Rees interviewed Jonathan Law principal Dr. Thompson about this event. 

GR: What can students expect at this event?

DT: The event is an opportunity for students to talk to and with each other about issues impacting their lives. Topics around equity, social justice, and the pandemic are weighing on the minds of many students and this forum is all about providing a safe space for students to be heard and, hopefully, find some next steps for our school to continue its work related to social justice and equity. 

GR: What prompted the idea to organize this event? 

DT: The anticipated verdict in the Derek Chauvin trail was the original idea for this forum. The uncertainty of the outcome (at the initial idea of the forum) prompted the event to be a way to have students come together. The group of student leaders to whom the concept  was  presented really expanded my thinking to a broader opportunity to a platform for students to be heard around these important topics and I am so grateful for their collaboration and for pushing my thinking. 

GR: What do you hope students will take away from this?

DT: It is my sincere hope that students, especially those who feel their voices are not being heard, will find a safe space to share their emotions, experiences and concerns about these issues. 

GR: Will there be similar events in the future? 

DT:  I hope so. I am looking forward to the forum and the feedback of the participants. That feedback and those discussions will guide our future work. 

GR: What impact do you think the Jonathan Law Race and Equity Committee has had on the school this year? 

DT:  This is an incredible group of student leaders who have worked tirelessly to illuminate the issues of race, equity, and social justice in our school community. This hard working group of student leaders have helped our community through education, discussion, and implementation of activities such as our recent advisory lessons. I also want to thank Mr. Ragaini for working closely with this student leadership team.