Professor Irshad Manji will introduce ‘Inclusion through Moral Courage’ in professional development event open to independent and public schools

Bestselling author, educator and Emmy-nominated journalist Irshad Manji will lead a free workshop designed to give local educators practical skills to resist the lure of an us-vs.-them mindset, 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Titled Inclusion Through Moral Courage the 90-minute professional development event is sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Inclusion Lab.

Manji will guide participants in drawing from their own lives as the challenge of understanding and being understood in times of awkward tension, high emotion or deep division is explored. The actionable tools shared in the workshop will help to turn different, even clashing perspectives into opportunities to relate.  

The Inclusion Lab is a collaboration between public and independent schools in Santa Barbara County with the purpose of progressing inclusion efforts across the board. Educators throughout the county and beyond are invited and may register through Zoom or by contacting the workshop host Kalyan Balaven, Dunn School head of school.

“In the true spirit of professor Manji’s teachings, the Inclusion Lab is free from us vs. them,” Balaven said. “It’s a coalition of educators coming together for the benefit of making all of our students feel seen, heard and known at each of our schools.”

“Without inclusion of those from all corners of life, our society and our nation is not as strong as it can be,” said Hilda Maldonado, Santa Barbara Unified School District superintendent. “The welcoming of all ideas and backgrounds makes for a better world, one where humanity is prioritized over politics and class differentiation.”

“I am thrilled about participating with the Inclusion Lab,” said Christina Broderick, head of school at Riviera Ridge. “Our colleagues working in harmony to provide inclusive and equitable school communities can support each other in our journey to provide the most engaging and welcoming learning environment.”

Manji was a guest on The Whole Student podcast in December, when she viewed her own grade school educational experiences through her trademark brand of empathy. As is customary for every episode, she celebrated the teachers who helped mold her into the leader she is today. 

The Whole Student is hosted by Balaven and is produced under the DunnCast umbrella. DunnCast also has plans to distribute additional podcast content alongside The Whole Student, including learn-by-doing opportunities for student-directed multimedia projects and shows.  

Founded in 1957, Dunn School is a boarding and day school (grades six-12) in Los Olivos.