Chandler School District to Include Indigenous Land Acknowledgment in Meetings
Amidst heated discussions, the Chandler Unified School District has decided to incorporate a land acknowledgment video created by Indigenous students into its official meetings and graduation events. The decision follows a narrow 3-2 vote by the district’s governing board, highlighting a divide in opinions on its significance and implications.
The video, lasting just a minute and 43 seconds, represents a significant gesture for members of the Indigenous Parent Committee. Monique John, a Navajo and Jemez co-president of the committee, emphasized the importance of its creation. “We went into creating this video with positive intentions for our students and communities, all students: Native and non-Native,” she explained. John also highlighted the misconceptions about Indigenous identity, stating, “A lot of times people were shocked, and some even said, ‘Oh, I thought you guys were extinct.’”
However, not everyone supports the initiative. Board member Kurt Rohrs voiced concerns, suggesting that the mandatory nature of the land acknowledgment is political rather than educational. He argued, “It has no real purpose in addressing our primary mission of improving academic performance for our students,” labeling the video as an “empty, performance gesture of wokeness.” Rohrs also expressed apprehension that the acknowledgment might extend to other school activities, potentially affecting school enrollment.
Despite these objections, students like Syndel Preston, a senior at Basha High and president of the Indigenous student club, view the acknowledgment as essential. He noted the historical presence of the Akimel O’odham people in the area, stating, “I want my Indigenous peers to know that they are seen, that the lands CUSD stands on is theirs as well.” Preston dismissed concerns of divisiveness, advocating for his community’s recognition.
The decision was ultimately supported by President Patti Serrano, Vice President Barb Mozdzen, and Claudia Mendoza, who voted in favor, while Ryan Heap and Kurt Rohrs opposed the motion. The ongoing debate reflects broader conversations about representation and recognition of Indigenous communities within educational institutions.
