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Group of current, former students pushing for diversity in education at local school district

ALLISON PARK, Pa. — People in the Hampton Area School District are pushing for diversity in education, both in the people teaching and the courses students are taking.

The women behind this movement all at one point went to Hampton. They told Channel 11 the need for change when it comes to racial issues in the district is imperative.

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“Not really seeing many faces that look like mine make me feel uncomfortable, and it also doesn’t truly reflect the real world,” said Jada Alim. “Having to walk the halls that are majority 90% white is kind of eerie at times and you don’t get to be your full self.”

That is why she and four other Hampton students wrote a long letter to the school district and created a petition, calling for the need for change regarding diversity and Black history education.

Alim said taking Black history courses at the University of Pittsburgh opened her eyes to “how much was left out” of her education at Hampton.

The group also wants anti-racist training for faculty, in addition to more minority teachers hired.

District officials told Channel 11 the principal has been in touch with the women and is hoping to meet with them to discuss their ideas.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for the school district to step up and take action -- just to show that it’s not just other communities, it also affects Hampton’s entire community,” said Alim.