Highland High School
"I learned that discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand"
Our pilot event was held at Highland High School, selected for its diverse student body. The event was a success, with positive feedback from students, facilitators, and administrators. Measurable results from pre- and post-event surveys demonstrated shifts in student perspectives on discrimination.
Student Feedback and Comments
The student feedback highlights a vital shift in perspective: the end of isolation begins with a single conversation. Students discovered that while fear often builds walls, storytelling builds bridges. By stepping out of their comfort zones, our participants realized that we are more similar than we are different, and that “different” is exactly what makes our community unique.
Pre Dinner Survey
What did you learn about understanding discrimination?
Students learned that discrimination often stems from fear and isolation, emphasizing the importance of listening to others’ stories and challenging preconceptions. Comments included: “Everyone’s experiences are different,” and “Discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand.”
- Learning every one’s story is important and it is always important to ourselves
- I learned that our school is very inclusive and non-bigoted
- I learned about the different resources at the school board
- People often don’t feel comfortable being first person to talk so sometimes I have to do it
- That it is driven by fear
- The history and just how far we have come
- The first step to bridging together is by placing the first brick
- That it’s important to look beyond differences
- Everyone experiences it in more regard
- I learned that discrimination comes because we isolate ourselves because we think we are different
- I learned, honestly, discrimination goes on everywhere and we all go through it
- To put previous judgments aside
- I don’t really remember
- I learned that discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand
- I learned that discrimination is something that’s not necessary
- I learned more about the people I see in the halls every day I learned how to improve
- Disagree with ideas not people just respect people and golden rule. We all want the same thing
- We’re all different but that’s what makes us unique
- Not much just that people struggle with building bridges
What personal responsibility do you have to challenge discriminatory behavior?
Students expressed a commitment to not being bystanders, speaking up against bigotry, and fostering inclusivity. One student noted, “I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop it in the future.”
- Not being a bystander
- Always stay open to everyone’s opinion & cultures
- Standing up for people keeping people from acting against others just for what they look like and for who they are
- I’ve been hurt and offended by bigotry, so I don’t want others to
- I believe it is the duty of every person to treat one another with respect and part of that is making sure they are respected
- Speak up
- I am a member of multiple discriminated groups. Solidarity is key
- To always make a difference
- Putting myself out there
- Tell them
- I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop It in the future
- I feel I should speak out that things like racist jokes are hurtful
- I feel like as a human and someone who understands a lot of struggles that I should listen and stand up for people going through things
- To find a common ground with those I meet
- Just stand up for what’s right
- I like to distract, and check on those who may be hurt
- I personally am responsible for my own decisions and gifts I can bring to my community
- Don’t let anger blind or cause you to say/do thing. Have a clear mind
- Be that voice Be able to use my voice in times when this happens.
- To stop, diffuse it.
What can you do to create a more inclusive environment in your school?
Suggestions included more cultural education, supporting diverse clubs, and creating spaces for group conversations. Students emphasized kindness and outreach, with one stating, “Talk to new people every day.”
- For people to be more open
- Just continuing being kind and try to branch out further away than my current friends
- Be kind, accepting and welcoming
- Educate myself more on other group’s struggles and learn my own prejudice
- Make sure people feel comfortable about talking to me about issues they have
- Support our diverse clubs & communities
- Advocate for others more
- Inclusion
- Clubs
- Reach out to people who I may not have the opportunity to
- I can meet new people ask questions and Include
- Connect with new people
- By reaching out to everyone, even if they don’t want to
- I really don’t know
- Just be kind
- To shine my own light in the darkness
- Love!
- Talk to everyone be a light to everyone around me
- Talk to new people everyday
Post Dinner Survey
What did you learn about understanding discrimination?
Students learned that discrimination often stems from fear and isolation, emphasizing the importance of listening to others’ stories and challenging preconceptions. Comments included: “Everyone’s experiences are different,” and “Discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand.”
- Learning every one’s story is important and it is always important to ourselves
- I learned that our school is very inclusive and non-bigoted
- I learned about the different resources at the school board
- People often don’t feel comfortable being first person to talk so sometimes I have to do it
- That it is driven by fear
- The history and just how far we have come
- The first step to bridging together is by placing the first brick
- That it’s important to look beyond differences
- Everyone experiences it in more regard
- I learned that discrimination comes because we isolate ourselves because we think we are different
- I learned, honestly, discrimination goes on everywhere and we all go through it
- To put previous judgments aside
- I don’t really remember
- I learned that discrimination can be overcome by taking a moment to understand
- I learned that discrimination is something that’s not necessary
- I learned more about the people I see in the halls every day I learned how to improve
- Disagree with ideas not people just respect people and golden rule. We all want the same thing
- We’re all different but that’s what makes us unique
- Not much just that people struggle with building bridges
What personal responsibility do you have to challenge discriminatory behavior?
Students expressed a commitment to not being bystanders, speaking up against bigotry, and fostering inclusivity. One student noted, “I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop it in the future.”
- Not being a bystander
- Always stay open to everyone’s opinion & cultures
- Standing up for people keeping people from acting against others just for what they look like and for who they are
- I’ve been hurt and offended by bigotry, so I don’t want others to
- I believe it is the duty of every person to treat one another with respect and part of that is making sure they are respected
- Speak up
- I am a member of multiple discriminated groups. Solidarity is key
- To always make a difference
- Putting myself out there
- Tell them
- I have the responsibility to not only challenge it when I see it, but take steps to stop It in the future
- I feel I should speak out that things like racist jokes are hurtful
- I feel like as a human and someone who understands a lot of struggles that I should listen and stand up for people going through things
- To find a common ground with those I meet
- Just stand up for what’s right
- I like to distract, and check on those who may be hurt
- I personally am responsible for my own decisions and gifts I can bring to my community
- Don’t let anger blind or cause you to say/do thing. Have a clear mind
- Be that voice Be able to use my voice in times when this happens.
- To stop, diffuse it.
What can you do to create a more inclusive environment in your school?
Suggestions included more cultural education, supporting diverse clubs, and creating spaces for group conversations. Students emphasized kindness and outreach, with one stating, “Talk to new people every day.”
- For people to be more open
- Just continuing being kind and try to branch out further away than my current friends
- Be kind, accepting and welcoming
- Educate myself more on other group’s struggles and learn my own prejudice
- Make sure people feel comfortable about talking to me about issues they have
- Support our diverse clubs & communities
- Advocate for others more
- Inclusion
- Clubs
- Reach out to people who I may not have the opportunity to
- I can meet new people ask questions and Include
- Connect with new people
- By reaching out to everyone, even if they don’t want to
- I really don’t know
- Just be kind
- To shine my own light in the darkness
- Love!
- Talk to everyone be a light to everyone around me
- Talk to new people everyday
Program Responses
Read what facilitators, guests, and other community members are saying about One Table Together.
When Maxine and Marv Turner retired from their successful catering business, Cuisine Unlimited, they started a non-profit “One Table Together” to bring together a diverse group of parents, high school and middle school students in a family-style dinner where open discussion could take place about the discrimination of groups such as immigrants, Native Americans, Asians, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, along with Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Highland High, a school with a diverse student body, was the setting and Pro-Start students, studying culinary arts, prepared and served the food, an amazing menu with international cuisine, including Afghan, Indian, Japanese, Turkish, and Israeli dishes.
Our dinner discussion gave students the opportunity to tell us about some of their goals, fears, obstacles, and successes. The adult guests included faith leaders, elected officials, non-profit leaders, and teachers. Many thanks to our host, Highland principal Jeremy Chatterton and to the Turners. I was honored to be part of “One Table Together.” It gave me hope for our country’s future.
We really enjoyed our time connecting with the students at a table. What a dynamic group. We look forward to having you come to Jordan and do a smaller lunch for sure. Toni and Leah will be in touch in August to start the planning process. As soon as we secure a date, I will get it to you so you can have it on your calendar.
Read More Responses
I have been raving about the incredible experience that was last night! It was truly a privilege to hear the speakers (including you and Liz) who were inspirational, to enjoy a delicious international family-style meal professionally catered by our very own ProStart students with instruction and direction from Dylan and your wonderful Cuisine Unlimited staff, and above all, to engage in wonderful affirming, respectful, joyful bridge-building through conversation.
Thank you! Thanks to Marv! And thanks to everyone who organized the event. This morning, I emailed the Highland admin, faculty and staff to update them about the event, to prime them for the follow-up, and to express my gratitude to Julie, Jeremy and Dylan for being an integral part of the experience which blessed the lives of all who participated.
Congratulations on a wonderful One Table launch! First time events are so incredibly demanding, and I thought your event went really well. Kudos to you! It's a ton of work, I know.
Your foundation and program are so sorely needed during this time. I felt encouraged in talking with the youth as they seem way further along on "the acceptance of others path" than adults. Maybe you should consider a similar activity for adults! 🙂
I thought the evening was great. The setting was beautiful and the Pro-Start youth did an excellent job. The food was terrific -- super interesting and the youth at our table enjoyed this aspect of the event enthusiastically. So nicely done!
I enjoyed my experience as a facilitator. Thank you for the invitation. I did not know you also wanted me to work at registration until your email on the 9th and didn't get that information with enough time to build it into my day. Sorry about that! I think it worked out fine.
I hope you've been able to rest and recuperate! It was a wonderful launch to your program and I'm sure it will continue to evolve and impact many people as you move forward. I'm excited to see you and Marvin when you get back to California. Let me know when you've landed.
It was such a pleasure working alongside you at One Table Together this week. Everything flowed so seamlessly, and your calm leadership and presence were felt in the best way. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate — and I left the event feeling inspired by the work you do.
Thank you also for the way you engaged with my students. Your generosity and encouragement meant so much to them — they haven’t stopped talking about it (or about wanting to work for CU one day!).
Thanks so much for creating a great event! It was an amazing accomplishment, and you should feel very proud about what you have created. It is the first event of many and is so well set up to succeed. Keep the theme of connecting over a celebration of food. Makes the rest of it come together more tightly. When it is focused on the story of the food, the connection and mutual enjoyment comes together more organically. Great work and thanks a ton for including me.
It was a great pleasure to meet you and participate in such wonderful program for the youth! It will certainly help them how to be independent thinkers and how to be kind and respectful with each other; and hopefully have a better future world with more kindness and charity.
Thank you again for such a lovely experience and thank you and your husband for your love in preparing such lovely event!
First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to gather round the table and enjoy my tablemates. I thoroughly enjoyed my time that evening. The idea was inspiring, the food delicious, and the company at my table offered great discussions on so many pertinent topics.
