BEREA, Ohio — The Berea City School District Board of Education passed in July a resolution stressing the need for diversity, equity and inclusion, and rejecting all forms of racism and discrimination. One of the first steps involves listening and respecting others’ perspectives.

At the Sept. 21 board meeting, Berea-Midpark graduates shared stories of the racism they encountered as students in the district. Their recollections were uncomfortable to hear, but Board President Ana Chapman said it is necessary “to make the positive changes we’ve needed for a long time.”

“The purpose of this resolution, and the actions surrounding it, was to make sure we are listening and all voices are being heard, especially those of the underrepresented, be it by the color of their skin, their ethnic background, their special educational needs, or their sexual orientation,” Chapman said. “The district can’t go back and change the past, but we can