Spotlight On...

Vi Johnson

Former Principal

Perspective on the evolution of the Prejudice Reduction Workshops comes from Vi  Johnson, a former teacher and principal for the Rochester School District.  Before there were Prejudice Reduction Workshops, there were staff members like Vi who saw a need for diversity awareness. 

Aware that her changing student body was presenting new challenges, Vi realized that a concerted effort had to be made to meet those challenges.

She recalls working with her staff at Pinewood and Harriet Bishop Elementary Schools.  While the focus was on the students, the total staff had to be committed to the goal of respecting the varied talents of each child. 

Early staff development workshop leaders who championed diversity were Elaine White and Jackie Trotter, founders of the Diversity Council (then called Building Equality Together). 

Vi worked to involve the parents as well, using the school newsletters to give parents ideas for activities that would help families reach across barriers and build relationships.  At Pinewood there was also a business partnership with McDonalds.  Vi gives them credit for their help in backing various projects. 

To further generate an awareness of other cultures, the school staff organized all-day events that gave students choices for break-out sessions which focused on the differences and commonalities of various cultures.  Foods, festivals and families were highlighted, and role playing activities were offered to give students perspective.  Not only were cultures explored, but also disabilities and the backgrounds and feelings of adopted and foster kids.

Vi Johnson sees the development of the Diversity Council’s Prejudice Reduction Workshops as supporting her number one aim: “Focus on the student and what can be done to help the student.”  Her test for any program is that it must be good for kids. The Prejudice Reduction Workshops meet that test.

1130 1/2 7th St NW, Suite 204 , Rochester, MN 55901 · Tel: 507.282.9951 · Fax: 507.282.9964 · info@diversitycouncil.org

Diversity...It's all about respect.