Podcast | Cal Fucci

The podcast episode discusses the Netflix series Sex Education and its exploration of diversity in educational models. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and highlights the benefits of diversity in fostering understanding, empathy, and breaking down stereotypes. The episode also mentions a study that found students feel safer and less vulnerable in diverse classrooms. It concludes by discussing the challenges of implementing diverse educational models and offers steps for creating a supportive school climate that appreciates diversity. The main takeaway is that education should prepare students for the diverse world and embrace the power of diversity in all aspects of life. Welcome to From a Different Angle, where we explore the intersection of pop culture and important social issues. I'm your host, Cal Fucci, and today we delve into the Netflix hit series Sex Education and its profound lessons on the significance of diversity in educational models. Before we jump into the educational aspects, let's take a moment to appreciate Sex Education. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and think I'll be bringing you back to high school and condoms on bananas, don't worry. Sex Education is a show that premiered on Netflix in 2019. Set in the fictional Moordale Secondary School, this series navigates the lives of students dealing with love, friendship, and the complexities of their own sexuality. The show follows Otis Milburn, a socially awkward high school student who lives with his mother and sex therapist, Jean. In season one, Otis and his friend Maeve Wiley set up a sex clinic at school to capitalize on his intuitive talent for sex advice, hence the name Sex Education. BBC credits the show with, quote, exploring facets of sexuality that other shows would never think nor dare to, unquote. Now let's shift our focus to the real world. The way we approach education plays a crucial role in shaping society. Traditional models often fall short when it comes to inclusivity, neglecting the diverse needs and experiences of students. A diverse educational environment reflects the world students will enter upon graduation, fostering understanding, empathy, and preparing them for a globalized society. Diversity in education exposes students to different perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. In fact, a recent study in the journal Child Development found that students feel safer in school and life when they are educated in a diverse setting. Researchers from University of California Los Angeles and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands looked at 536 Latino and 396 African American sixth grade students from 66 classrooms in 10 urban American middle schools that varied in ethnic diversity and were in predominantly low income neighborhoods. The students reported on the number of same and cross ethnic friends they had, how vulnerable they felt, the quality of their friendships, and their ethnic identity. Students who reported, quote, unquote, cross ethnicity friendships felt less vulnerable, less lonely, less victimized by peers, and safer at school. And this isn't a one time finding. Earlier work by the same researchers found that greater classroom diversity led to a stronger feeling of belonging and safety in students. The researchers suggest that this may be because diverse classrooms have more ethnic groups and groups of about the same size, which means that no one ethnic group is numerically more powerful than any other group. Do you remember those memes about seeing your name in a math problem, buying 36 watermelons, and feeling like a king? Or Jack having $67 and needing to pay Emily one third of it? These are stereotypical examples, but they hold true. Seeing yourself modeled in the world around you can be insanely validating. The University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications found that students are more likely to describe themselves as having leadership qualities when they get the chance to see and experience various leadership styles from faculty, staff, administrators, and community members. The power of diversity in education lies not just in representation, but in fostering empathy, understanding, and dismantling harmful stereotypes. It exposes students to different perspectives, breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. It encourages critical thinking and problem solving by presenting a variety of approaches to challenges. According to the American Council on Education, Education within a diverse setting prepares students to become good citizens in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society. It fosters mutual respect and teamwork, and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions. Ultimately, studies show that diversity in education, particularly on college campuses, improves the Interacting with diverse peers outside of a classroom setting directly benefits students, making them better scholars, thinkers, and citizens. Of course, implementing diverse educational models comes with its own set of challenges. Some institutions may face resistance to change, and there may be hurdles in developing inclusive curriculum. However, the key lies in embracing these challenges and working collectively to overcome them. In January of 1999, the U.S. Department of Education released a guide for schools entitled Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crime. This document is now archived, but the full transcript is still available on the official Department of Education website. This guide includes step-by-step instructions on creating a supportive school climate that appreciates racial, cultural, and other forms of diversity. Step one being publicizing the policy, making it available for the public to read and learn about. This allows students, parents, and staff to better understand the specific nuances about the policy and its regulations. Step two is investing in training of school board members, administrators, and staff. Specifically training in investigating complaints, stopping harassment, and basic principles of diversity, such as deepening understanding of diverse cultural attitudes and behaviors, racial and sex stereotyping, and the types of problems faced by students at school and in the community. The document urges schools to involve students in prevention activities, educating them on their rights and responsibilities. This training should enable students to identify harassment, understand its causes and effects, learn methods of opposing harassment, and feel more comfortable reporting instances of harassment, actively working to counteract the bystander effect. The document further urges schools to implement monitoring programs and prevention strategies. Discuss with faculty, advisors, and student leaders involved in school plays, newspapers, elections, and yearbooks the harm that can result from thoughtless jokes or ridicule and ways to avoid needless damage to the school environment. As we wrap up today's episode, let's reflect on the lessons we can draw from both sex education and the discussion on diversity in educational models. Just as the show emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting differences, our educational systems should strive to create an inclusive environment that prepares students for the diverse world that awaits them. Thank you for joining us on From a Different Angle. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe and please leave us a review. We'll be back soon with more insightful discussions. Until then, keep exploring the world around you and embrace the power of diversity in all aspects of life. Thank you.