Identity & Culture
Name one part of a person’s identity that may not be visible.
Religion, mental health, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family background, immigration status, or neurodiversity.
What is a stereotype?
An oversimplified or generalized belief about a group of people
What does it mean to be inclusive?
Making sure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued
What is an upstander?
Someone who takes action instead of staying silent when something is wrong
What is the difference between equality and equity?
Equality gives everyone the same thing; equity gives people what they need to succeed
What does culture include besides race or ethnicity?
Religion, mental health, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family background, immigration status, or neurodiversity.
Why can stereotypes be harmful, even when they seem positive?
They pressure people to fit expectations, ignore individuality, and can limit opportunities
Name one action that helps someone feel they belong at school
Inviting them, listening, using their correct name, standing up for them, or including them in activities
Name one safe way to respond when you witness bias or exclusion
Get an adult, support the targeted person, interrupt respectfully, or address it privately
Why might treating everyone exactly the same be unfair?
People start with different needs, challenges, and access to resources
Why might two people from the same group have very different life experiences?
Differences in family, location, income, education, gender, opportunities, or personal experiences
What is the difference between intent and impact?
Intent is what someone meant to do; impact is how the action actually affected someone
What is the difference between being invited and being truly included?
Being invited means being present; being included means being valued and actively involved
Why do people sometimes stay silent when they see something unfair?
Fear, discomfort, not knowing what to say, or wanting to fit in
Give an example of equity in a school setting.
Extra academic support, accessibility accommodations, language services, or counseling support
How can understanding your own identity help you better understand others?
It builds self‑awareness, helps recognize bias, and increases empathy and respect for differences
How can media reinforce stereotypes—and how can it challenge them?
It reinforces stereotypes by showing one‑sided portrayals, and challenges them by showing diverse, complex people and stories
Why might someone still feel excluded even when rules aren’t being broken?
Social dynamics, body language, tone, inside jokes, or lack of representation can still cause exclusion
How can speaking up respectfully improve a situation?
It can stop harm, support others, educate peers, and de‑escalate conflict
Why is equity important for creating real opportunities for everyone?
It removes barriers and helps create fair outcomes
How can making assumptions about someone’s identity affect relationships or classrooms?
It can cause misunderstandings, exclusion, loss of trust, and make people feel judged or unseen
How might a stereotype influence a school decision, and how could that be prevented?
Bias can affect discipline or academic placement; prevention includes awareness, questioning assumptions, and fair decision‑making practices
What responsibility do students have in creating belonging—not just adults?
Students shape school culture through daily choices, peer behavior, and how they treat others
What risks and rewards come with being an upstander, and how can risks be reduced?
Risks include backlash or discomfort; rewards include fairness and safety. Risks can be reduced by using safe strategies and involving allies or adults
How can systems that seem fair still create unfair outcomes?
Rules can impact groups differently due to history, access, or unequal resources