Why Names, Identity & Boundaries Matter in Education

Inclusion Is More Than a Word: The Power of Names, Boundaries, and Belonging

Names carry stories. They hold history, meaning, and identity. Yet too often, they are mispronounced, shortened, or brushed aside—not because they are difficult, but because people don’t try.

As a parent, I see this firsthand. My sons have beautifully rich ethnic names, yet too often, they are mispronounced or dismissed as ‘too hard’ to say. But their names are not optional. They are not nicknames to be assigned at random. They deserve to be spoken correctly, with care and respect—just like anyone else’s.

Beyond names, I’ve also watched them navigate another common experience—curiosity that crosses into personal space. Other children, fascinated by their textured hair, reach out to touch it, often without asking. While the interest might be innocent, the impact is not always comfortable. Children shouldn’t have to feel like a science experiment. They should be able to move through the world without being prodded, examined, or made to feel ‘different.’

What Does True Inclusion Look Like?

It’s about trying. Trying to say a name correctly, even if it takes practice. Trying to understand that hair, skin, and culture are not curiosities for others to investigate but parts of someone’s identity to respect.

It’s about teaching awareness. Helping children (and adults) recognize that asking first matters. That listening and learning are acts of respect. That inclusion isn’t just about welcoming people—it’s about making sure they feel seen, valued, and safe.

This isn’t just about my sons—it’s about the countless individuals who face the same experiences every day. Names matter. Boundaries matter. Respect matters. And if we truly believe in inclusion, then it’s time to do the work—to get names right, to respect personal space, and to create environments where everyone feels like they belong.

#Inclusion, #RepresentationMatters, #Education, #CulturalAwareness, #Diversity