Hanan Huneidi

Diversity Statement

Multicultural perspective is a way in which to view the world such that an emphasis on
considering perspectives and needs of those from all communities, whether mainstream
or not, is placed. It is a means to normalize and celebrate all cultures in a way that is
respectful and mindful of the various cultures. It involves intentionally seeking out
education on cultural practices, religions, customs, histories, political movements and of
course seeking out authentic experiences. More than anything, multicultural
perspective is about cultivating respect, awareness, and community within and across
cultural groups.
My beliefs about teaching and learning with a diverse student population is that in doing
so we are preparing our students to be integrative members of a broader global
community that is ever quickly growing and connecting. Beyond the practical aspect of
preparing students for the very diverse world they live in, it is also a means of
enrichment both academically and personally. When students are placed in an
environment that is not homogeneous they are forced to confront perspectives and
practices that are not similar to their own. And if the educators and parents within the
community encourage a healthy global perspective, then the students have
opportunities to form connections with others from varied backgrounds, which will
encourage the students to see the world from many different perspectives, not just that
of their own background. I believe that this sort of experience develops a person who is
a deeper thinker and a deeper feeler, one with a higher ability to be both empathetic and

compassionate, and also a creative thinker. Also, if we start introducing children to

environments with diverse student populations from a young age, I imagine that the risk
of racism and nationalism goes down. If by immersing students in a colorful and diverse
environment does in fact lessen the likeliness of racism and nationalism and
encourages a more understanding and embracing attitude, then I would further say that
this would lead to less war and more demand for public assistance for those who are in
need, better immigration policies, and less discrimination in the work-place. We raise
adults, not children, our goal (as educators, parents, or adults is general) in regards to
children should be to prepare these individuals to be well functioning and adults and to
help them cultivate compassion, empathy, civic mindedness, global awareness,
curiosity, and a desire to always learn.
I feel as though when it comes to future teaching in diverse classrooms I am a bit
fortunate. Though it was at times really difficult growing up (and even as an adult) biracial, and Palestinian, I think as a teacher it will serve me well when working with
diverse populations. I have found, when substitute teaching with diverse populations
(ELL and at-risk youth), that talking about my own ethnicity and diverse background
helps form a connection with the students that may otherwise have been more
challenging to form. I am not saying that teachers who are not from diverse
backgrounds cannot make these sorts of connections, but I think it takes more effort. I
have found that the students are curious about my last name and want to know about
my background. Once I tell them where my father was from and some of my
experiences in the Middle East, or growing up different, they seem to want to talk about
their own experiences and cultures. I am sure that once I have my own classroom I

would need to do more to keep that dialogue going. I love art, I think images from
various cultures are so valuable. I definitely plan to have my classroom full of really
beautiful and interesting art reflecting other cultures, especially the cultures of the
students in my classroom. When I see an image from my own cultural background I
instantly feel comfortable and deeply connected, there is something about seeing these
images (especially outside of the usual space you would expect to see them such as
your home) that speaks to the heart and evokes a feeling of deep belonging and pride.
Cultural art is the celebration of identity, history, and traditions in the most beautiful way,
without having to speak a word, the viewer is invited to take what they will from it. I
might also (if permissible) integrate into my lesson plans such activities as learning how
to do traditional art from various parts of the world, or studying literature from various
parts of the world and then having the students attempt to write in those styles.
Another element I have thought about quite a bit when going forward with teaching is
that of religion. I myself am not at all religious, though I have a diverse background in
religion. I have struggled with the negative aspects of religion much of my life, yet as I
get older I have worked (and continue to) at cultivating an attitude of respect towards
others religious values and the role religion plays in most cultures. In one class I took
at Dominican as a service learning activity we took a group of mostly GuatemalanAmerican students to the Museum of Fine Arts in San Francisco. I noticed that for the
most part the students were not particularly interested in all of the European faces in
these beautiful color-rich classic paintings, but when they saw paintings of Jesus their
eyes lit up and they could not be more excited. It was such an interesting thing to
observe, and I dont think I would have predicted that. Suddenly they had found

something very real to them that they could connect to, suddenly they were interested. It
was an invaluable lesson for me. I surprised myself as to how much I was able to
discuss the religious paintings with these beautiful children. It was not about my own
opinions of religion, but rather about meeting them where they were, reaching out and
letting them know that their beliefs and values were important. Religion is of course a
very tricky thing in public school classrooms, but I think it should not be ignored.
I think one activity that I would love to do with students at the beginning of the year or
semester would be to have each child make a collage of him/herself integrating all
elements that represent who they are, cultural and religious backgrounds, and
representations of family or home. Also, another great activity for building community in
a classroom with diverse students is to have students fill out an I Am poem (which I first
encountered in a class taken at Dominican) this poem format asks a student to talk
about foods, sounds, words, and sights that are all a part of their own familial
background. I would have the students share-out. This is one tool for allowing students
to feel pride in who they are, and appreciate the beauty of their fellow students cultures
and backgrounds that may be very different from their own.
Another thing I would like to do is something inspired by professor Phil Novak here at
Dominican University. I took Professor Novaks World Religion class last year and at
the beginning of each class as we were entering class he was always playing music or
some sort of religious chant or prayer (normally thematic to whichever religion we were
studying), it was such a wonderful way to start each class and sort of transition into the
space that we were entering. Ive often thought about that when I am subbing a class,
that I would really like to be able to play music from different countries, or meditation

chants, or some sort of music very unfamiliar to the students as they enter the
classroom, and then have a quick class discussion about what they heard, where they
thought it was from, and what they thought of it. Music is such a great way for cultures
to be reflected.
I think by doing such activities as personal collages and I Am poems it will address the
needs of all students regardless of their backgrounds because it is healthy and
empowering for everyone to learn how to celebrate and share their own identity and life
experiences. And by exposing all students to their fellow students backgrounds it will
expand the students understanding of various cultures, and they will learn to value
others experiences and backgrounds. By surrounding students with art from various
cultures it will expose all students to images that may not be familiar to them, and
hopefully encourage curiosity and creative thinking. Also, I think just learning that there
is value and depth in all cultures may be an eye opening experience to students who
have not had the opportunity to travel or be exposed to other cultures.