Barnstable County’s Human Rights Academy Empowered 90 Students to Shape Healthier and Supportive Schools
November 4, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission proudly hosted its annual Fall Human Rights Academy on October 29, 2024 at Sturgis Charter High School. This year’s theme, “Student Wellbeing: Supporting a Healthy School,” gathered approximately 90 students from 10 schools across Barnstable County, fostering a space for dialogue, visioning, and action on critical issues related to student mental health and wellbeing.
Building on discussions from the Academy’s Spring session, student participants emphasized the importance of community conversations on the health and mental wellness of young people. They also expressed a desire for increased peer interaction between schools to build collaborative strategies for meaningful, student-led initiatives. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Student Representative Ayesha Shafi of Mashpee Middle High School; she was joined by Paul Marble from Sturgis Charter School and Barnstable County Administrator Michael Dutton.
Students were asked to envision what a thriving and healthy school environment might look like, feel like, and embody. Their responses underscored a shared vision of strengths-based support approaches, respectful student-teacher relationships, spaces for quiet reflection and mental health support, celebration of diverse experiences, expanded green spaces, and an environment where students feel supported and happy.
Participants worked in their school-specific groups to identify potential barriers and brainstormed actionable steps toward building healthier and more supportive school environments. They explored avenues to engage their school administrations to bring about positive changes, focusing on fostering partnerships and advocating for student voices.
One of the day’s highlights was a session on self and community care led by Ayanna Freedom of the Family Resource Center and B Free Wellness. Ms. Freedom guided students through movement and breathwork exercises, equipping them with practical tools to manage stress and support one another through challenging moments.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference, marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood, or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-rights-advisory-commission.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/.
