The Chicopee School Committee is discussing a mandatory course about race relations for all students enrolled in Chicopee Public Schools.

Mary Beth Costello is the Chicopee School Committee representative for Ward 9. Costello says the school committee works closely with the school administration to discuss these topics.

"It's the goal of the school committee to address issues of race, of all races, through education," says Costello.

Last week, the school committee unanimously approved a request to establish some type of course which would discuss racism, race relations, history, and appreciation of other cultures.

"There has been a need for a long time," says Costello. "Racism exists. It needs to be addressed. It hasn't been addressed properly."

Darlene Reina is a member of Chicopee Residents for Action Accountability in Youth. She says that she is in favor of having this class taught in the schools, but says certain things need to be addressed. 

"I think it's important as we start these conversations, these classes, whatever it is, it is done with community input, it's done with teachers, parents, and students in mind," Reina says.

The discussion is in the beginning stages. School committee member Mary Beth Costello says they want to hear from parents and the community. This course will likely not start in September because there isn't enough time to discuss it fully. She says there is some support for the course to be taught in high school and be mandatory in order to graduate. 

"There are other people saying high school may be too late. Let's do it in the elementary schools and have the discussion in the curriculum there," says Costello.

As the discussion continues, Reina says it is important to uplift the voices of those marginalized and the city's Black and Brown students should be the main focus. 

"Those are the ones that matter most in today's age. As long as we center them and make sure they are being heard and advocated for, that's all that matters," says Reina. 

The curriculum subcommittee will be meeting June 30 to discuss more details about the course.