School district Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator Wesley A. Johnson II offered a presentation at the Board of Education’s December 21 meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue explained “general timelines and deliverables” have been in discussion along with commitments related to the Board of Education’s resolution on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Johnson began the presentation by sharing the meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“What is diversity? Diversity is really difference. It is variation or the variance of differences in characteristics of all people ... And it is those characteristics that make us unique,” Johnson said, adding that those differences could be age, sexuality, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, social and/or economic status, and jobs. “... It recognizes the uniqueness that all of us bring to the table.”

He said equity is about fairness and access: “Fairness of opportunity and fairness in outcomes for all people. We do this by removing the barriers that often result in unique challenges and even disproportionate advantages for some people and for some individuals.”

Finally, he said, “Inclusion is about belonging. It is about achieving an environment where those who are in it feel respected, feel valued, and feel heard, where they have equal access to opportunity and they can fully contribute to whatever environment they are in.”

Inclusion is “something we must work towards every day to ensure everyone who shows up can fully show up as who they are,” Johnson said.

During the presentation he highlighted the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion resolution, which was quoted as reading, “Support the development of academic pathways, instructional activities, extracurricular opportunities, and field experiences that promote a richer awareness of culture and racial diversity.”

Strategic Leadership

As the diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator, Johnson shared his role is to provide strategic leadership in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion for/to district staff, students, families, and the community; to serve as a resource and support for content in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion regarding curriculum and instruction; and to facilitate conversations, and foster initiatives and collaborations that promote a richer awareness of culture and racial diversity for the school community.

As outlined in the presentation, the coordinator’s job includes facilitating professional development days for district staff; facilitating meetings for district staff; participating in department conversations/meetings; supporting the DEI initiatives that are currently in place; monitoring and reviewing policies that impact students of color, LGBTQIA, SPED, and other populations that have been historically impacted by institutional inequities; developing initiatives that will promote the district’s resolution on DEI; and serving on PEAC’s DEI subcommittee.

Recent work included facilitating professional development at NHS and staff development at NMS, conducting school visits with administrators, and engaging in a listening tour with students, staff, and community members, according to the presentation.

Johnson also shared efforts planned for coming months.

Those include developing a systemic advisory team to provide oversight for district diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; assessing the effectiveness and inclusivity of programs, and acting as a resource for the district staff, students, and families; surveying students and staff on the use of the anonymous alert app; reporting to the BOE and community on existing and new program opportunities that address our commitment; surveying and assessing feedback on the use of a discrimination complaint form; tracking and reviewing incidents of bullying and discrimination; and reporting to and updating the Board of Education on existing and new programs and initiatives.

Outlining Deliverables

Johnson outlined “deliverables” in the presentation as revisions to curriculum and instructional materials that demonstrate a richer cultural awareness and a more inclusive environment; a school climate survey with a focus on DEI; and a review of district incidents, reports, and resolutions around bullying and discrimination.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion ... is not a box we check but a posture we take. It is not a one-size fits all. And it is not a checklist. It is a commitment that is ongoing, and one that we must engage in every day,” said Johnson.

Board of Education members asked a range of questions following the presentation, including questions about the anonymous alert app and how to quantify reported incidences.

A number of residents spoke at both the December 21 meeting and the subsequent January 4 Board of Education meeting. Most of the speakers supported the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, while some questioned it.

Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.