Valuing Inclusion
INCLUSION has been in the DNA of Benildeans since its inception.
From its namesake, Saint Benilde Romançon, who learned sign language for one of his students, to the very first program of the College, which caters to working students, to its current standing as one of the most inclusive schools in the country.
Inclusion is, indeed, part of the Benildean identity.
Inclusion - The state of being taken in as PART of a whole.
Exclusion - The state of being BARRED from a group.
FACTORS affecting Inclusion
CONTEXT - the interrelated conditions of the existence or occurrence of something.
It is the COLLECTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES which creates the setting of an event such as the physical facilities in the area (e.g., ramps), rules being followed (e.g., dress code), and attitude of the persons involved (e.g., biases).
This means that a factor which may exclude an individual in a certain context may include him/her in another.
EXAMPLE: A person being excluded from Group A because he/she is the only English speaker, but being included in Group B because they are all English speakers.
Given its definition, one can say that the environment or the society where the act of exclusion or inclusion occurs creates the context. This suggests that a person may be excluded or included depending on the people around him/her. It is important to take note that in reality, all these interact with each other. With this, one can say that being excluded or included looks like this:
(Uncontrolled Factor + Controlled Factor) Context = Inclusion/Exclusion
An example would be a wheelchair user (uncontrolled) and the presence or absence of ramps (controlled) will lead to either inclusion or exclusion. Another example is a Deaf person watching TV (uncontrolled) and the presence or absence of subtitles or interpreters (controlled). As suggested by the examples given, one can say that the controlled factor dictates whether a person is excluded or included. Since controlled factors are based on the choices of individuals, this means that inclusion is a choice.
With all that has been explained, there is a need to understand why valuing inclusion is important.
it is the right of every individual that his or her dignity and worth be recognized. It is everyone’s right to be included.
How to be Benildeans for All?
After understanding the concept of inclusion, it is now time to understand Benilde’s take on the topic.
From Saint John Baptist De La Salle’s efforts to educate poor boys to Saint Benilde Romançon’s efforts to learn how to communicate in sign language for one of his students, it is undeniable that INCLUSION is deeply rooted in the DNA of Benildeans. This culture of inclusion continued with the establishment of the different units of the College that promote inclusion such as:
the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (1991)
Saint Brother Jaime Hilario (2011)
Center for Inclusive Education (2015)
In the effort to institutionalize inclusion, Benilde drafted the:
Benildean for All Framework
Provides guidance to all members of the community. The name reflects the goal of the framework as it gives emphasis to Benildeans, as members of the community, creating an environment that serves everyone.
As a guide, an INCLUSION STATEMENT was created:
Inspired by the Lasallian Mission, we at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde aspire to be a model of an inclusive community by upholding the dignity and rights of all persons. We promote the Benildean Inclusion Values of respect, solidarity, equity, and diversity in Benilde and the communities we serve by breaking the barriers towards a just and humane society.
An illustration was also made to encapsulate what the framework which is shown in Figure 1. At the center is the Benildean who is equipped with the Benildean Inclusion Values of respect, solidarity, equity, and diversity. He/She uses those to break down the barriers to inclusion (governance, academic, and social) to achieve the goal of Benildean Inclusion.
To fully understand what Benildean Inclusion is, it is best to look deeper into its components.
The Benildean Inclusion Values (BIV) are the characteristics every Benildean should have to ensure that he/she is inclusive. These are:
1. RESPECT – giving due REGARD to OTHER PEOPLE regardless of their background.
2. SOLIDARITY – COOPERATE with other members of the community in ensuring an inclusive environment.
3. EQUITY – providing EQUAL ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES to everyone regardless of their condition.
4. DIVERSITY – recognizing and RESPECTING the DIFFERENCES of everyone. Looking at the history of the College, one cannot deny the fact that inclusion is in the DNA of Benilde.
However, a spark is needed to ensure that this value is ignited in everyone’s heart. By gaining a full understanding of what inclusion is, as well as learning and practicing the different Benildean Inclusion Values.