Sydney Marsh Working The WSJI Table At The Club Fair with Officer Addison Schoychid
Sydney Marsh, President of the club “Watauga Social Justice Initiative,” is using her platform to make Watauga a safe space for everyone. WSJI teaches members the importance of challenging oppressive systems to make Watauga a place of equality. This helps ensure that all students feel safe and supported regardless of their race, ethnicity, or cultural background.
According to the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey from 2022, 50% of Watauga High Faculty reported that they have seen or heard bullying on the grounds of race. This is 29% higher than the average reported by teachers in North Carolina. WSJI is a club that focuses on the safety and health of all students.
It is Marsh’s first year as President, but it’s her second year as an officer, as she served as the club’s Publicist last year.
“Last year, I was the one that managed the social media, so I posted when we had meetings and little stuff like that,” Marsh said. “Then, I applied for the position of President last year, Kim Mai and Emmet Coffey interviewed me, and I got it!”
Marsh is using WSJI to make Watauga an environment of inclusivity where all students are represented, in a school where 22% of Watauga High School staff currently report that they don’t believe all students are treated equitably, justly, or fairly, according to the NCTWC Survey from 2022.
“One goal I have for the club is to make sure that everyone knows that we’re here, we’re important, and we're trying to make a difference,” Marsh said.
WSJI is proof of how students can use their power to create change and advocate for social justice. They have many members who work together to create posters and merchandise to gain membership.
“We’re trying to give everyone a cultural awareness of other people's ethnicities, and who they are and where they come from,” said Marsh.
WSJI creates an essential platform where people can share about their culture and give others the opportunity to learn and be educated.
“WSJI is an important club because, at our school, there isn’t a lot of diversity, so you’re not going to get a lot of other opinions from people from other backgrounds,” said Marsh.
One thing WSJI is focusing its efforts on is creating awareness. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, they watched a presentation. They also advocate for mental health awareness.
“We try to give you the opportunity to see people's perspectives and understand where they come from and their culture,” said Marsh.
Another initiative they’re working on is making diversity training mandatory for all teachers at Watauga High School. According to the 2022 NCTWC Survey, 42% percent of Watauga staff report that they believe that students are bullied because of their ethnicity, and 38% report that students are bullied because of their cultural background. Teachers shouldn’t contribute to this problem, the club believes.
“We try to educate people about what are the right things to say and what are not the right things to say to people,” said Marsh.
WSJI meets every other Tuesday in Mr. Robert's room. Merchandise will be going on sale soon.
“WSJI is always looking for new members,” said Marsh, encouraging anyone and everyone to get involved.
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