Administrators in the Grand Haven Area School District say inclusion and kindness are the goals they hope to achieve from a series of student and community meetings this week.
They invited speaker Calvin Terrell to address students, staff and community members about bullying, school violence and mean behavior. Terrell is known to sometimes push audiences outside their comfort zones. Students and staff say he was invited to offer new perspectives and discuss ways to reduce violence and promote kindness.
“We actually brought him here to do work around inclusion so that every student who walks in the front door of any of our schools feels welcome,” explains high school principal Tracy Wilson. “It doesn't matter what their socio-economic status is or what their race is. We are trying to change the culture in our buildings through kindness.”
Some who don’t share the views of Calvin Terrell have contacted WZZM-TV, objecting to the use of public money to pay his speaking fee. The district says sponsors were found to cover most of the cost.
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