Each month, a classroom in the library transforms into a bullhorn of student voices discussing controversial issues that affect the school. From unpacking the effects of everyday stereotyping to questioning the role of police in Grandview’s hallways, lunch chats are a place for wolves to share their experiences within Grandview directly with the school’s administration. 

The event is run by Students Organized Against Racism (SOAR), a district-wide coalition focused on equity. Lunch chats are open for all students to attend, and pizza is provided at each discussion. 

“Lunch chats are student-led conversations where we talk openly about issues related to racism, identity, and social justice,” SOAR member Saachi Tekriwal (11) said. “They’re meant to be interactive so people can share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn from each other in a respectful environment.”

Students sit in groups of 2-8, and are given some background information on the month’s respective topic by working through an activity or listening to a brief lecture. From there, each group holds their own discussion, sharing their individual perspectives on the issue at hand.

Each group usually has a Grandview teacher, dean, or administrator. Their role is not to guide or direct the conversation, but to listen, ask questions, and bring their findings back to staff meetings. At the end of the lunch chat, each group shares their conclusions with the rest of the room, giving Grandview staff a direct look at how students think and feel about the issues being discussed.

“I do think it’s a good place to speak. All the administration is there,” Bryan Cruz (12), attendee, said. “I feel like the environment that’s in there, there’s not a lot of pressure. Everyone’s open to hearing everyone’s opinion.”

The topics for lunch chats change with every meeting. 

“Topics are usually chosen based on what feels relevant to our school community or what’s happening in the world. We also think about issues that aren’t talked about enough and that students might benefit from learning more about,” Tekriwal said. 

This month, SOAR chose to focus the discussion on the role of security and school resource officers (SROs) within Grandview.  During the first lunch chat on March 26th, Cruz got into a discussion with vice principal, Trevor Watrous about whether the district should be hiring fewer security guards with weapons.

“They [the school administration] seemed interested in what I was talking about and [were] trying to give thoughtful responses back,” Cruz said. “I think it’s the purpose of a lunch chat to build the connection between the students and administration – to be able to get people on the same page of what students want and what the administration can provide with what’s within their limits.”

Part of what makes lunch chats work is what they don’t do: they don’t tell students what to think.

“I think people in general are negligent to take their own stances regardless of the environment; laying down a framework as a judgment-free space can be inviting,” Ben Guerra (11) said, a frequent lunch chat attendee.

Even for those who put on the event, lunch chats are a constant learning experience packed with surprises.

“There have been moments where people have personal experiences or perspectives that I hadn’t considered before, which really stood out to me. Hearing how different students are affected by issues we talk about makes the conversations feel more real and reminds me why these types of discussions are important,” Tekriwal said.

Students can expect to join in on these types of conversations monthly. However, the final lunch chat of the 25-26 school year will occur on April 23rd.

“I try to go to a decent amount… I always try to bring a friend,” Cruz said. “Having them once a month, it gives you something to look forward to.”