WESTPORT — Few subjects these days are more divisive, or debated, than “race,” “systemic racism” and “a colorblind approach to issues.”

But framing those topics in the context of current social-justice arguments is what TEAM Westport wants high school students to tackle in its annual — and challenging — essay contest.

“Why It Can Be So Difficult to Talk About Race,” is the subject of this year’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest, which TEAM (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism) is co-sponsoring with the Westport Library.

A “prompt” offered by contest organizers to guide essay submissions is:

“Why can it be so difficult to talk about race? Trevor Noah. award-winning comedian, writer and television host from South Africa says … the first thing we have to do in any conversation is figure out what the words mean in the conversation that we’re having.

“In 1,000 words or fewer describe what you would like to explain to people in your community who avoid or struggle with talking about race or acknowledging systemic racism or who apply a colorblind approach to issues.”

In its ninth year in 2022, the essay contest previously has asked students to write about topics that include “White Privilege,” “Black Lives Matter,” “Micro-Aggressions” and “Stereotypes.”

The contest is open to students who attend high school in Westport or residents who attend high schools out of town. Deadline to submit essays is Friday, Feb. 25. 

Winners will be announced at a ceremony planned for 6 p.m. April 4 at the library, subject to COVID restrictions in effect at that time.

Contest organizers say that, “subject to the volume and caliber of entries received, at the discretion of the judges,” as many as three cash prizes will be awarded. First prize is $1,000, second prize, $750, and third, $500.

“From individuals to governments, on local, state and national levels, the discussion of race in the U.S. persists as a kind of national conundrum,” TEAM Westport Chairman Harold Bailey Jr. said in the statement announcing the contest.

“Now in our ninth year of the Teen Diversity Essay Contest,  TEAM Westport welcomes the opportunity for Westport youth to weigh in on the question as to why.”

To download the essay contest application and for more information, click here.