As diversity, equity, and inclusion policies face increased scrutiny and bans nationwide, the state Department of Education and some Long Island school systems are taking steps to ensure guidelines are maintained. I am.
Locally, while some school districts are developing plans, appointing DEI staff, and incorporating training for educators on inclusive and culturally responsive education, local nonprofits tracking DEI efforts are The group said in its report that 18% of the island's more than 120 school districts are not making progress in education. area.
“A lot of people don't understand” the purpose behind these policies, said Amanda Stein Cohen, president and co-founder of the Long Island Strong Schools Alliance. “We include everyone, regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or gender, academic ability, physical ability, or even political ideology. We want all students to be accepted into public schools. , we want them to feel safe.”
Opponents of such a system argue that it does not increase tolerance for people's differences and that parents should be able to decide whether they want their children to be subject to such policies.
What you need to know
- DEI policies face scrutiny and bans In about two dozen states nationwide, state departments of education and some school systems on Long Island have taken steps to ensure these policies continue.
- State Department of Education and The Attorney General's Office sent guidance to all school districts before the school year began stating that schools cannot meet their legal obligations unless DEI is at the core of their operations.
- Faculty, staff and students nationwide Experts say we need to consider efforts to undermine DEI across the country.
“Schools should not be breeding grounds for political persuasion,” state Sen. Alexis Wake (R-Sayville), a member of the Senate Education Committee, said in a statement. Parents should not be left questioning what is being taught in the classroom. It is our right to know the curriculum being taught and we should have the option to remove our children from our seats if we disagree. ”
School districts received joint guidance from the state Department of Education and the state attorney general's office to start the new school year stating that public schools cannot meet their legal obligations unless they make DEI a central part of their operations.
According to guidance sent in August, schools must “ensure that teaching and learning reflects the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and provides opportunities for all students to make educational progress.” be. Schools should also consider discipline and address bullying and harassment from an equity perspective, the guidance says.
The New York State Board of Regents, which oversees K-12 policy, adopted a sweeping DEI policy in May 2021. This includes requiring districts to establish DEI committees, maintaining and hiring a diverse workforce, implementing nondiscriminatory discipline policies, and ensuring that books, lessons, and education are available. The materials are inclusive and culturally responsive.
Schools “must ensure that classes, programs, and activities are accessible to all students, regardless of disability, native language, income level, or other basis,” the policy states.
April Frances Taylor, DEI director for East Suffolk BOCES, said the purpose of these plans is to ensure students have fair access to education and are not discriminated against.
Francis Taylor, hired as the agency's first DEI director in 2021, works to ensure each of the agency's programs has its own capital plan and is culturally responsive for students and staff. BOCES provides professional development to schools across the district.
Another BOCES Staff member Amanda Chansin provides community training while helping schools across the island develop DEI programs. BOCES will also host his DEI conference in May, which is open to all Island districts.
This month, Eastern Suffolk BOCES announced its first student-staff mentoring program, which pairs non-teaching staff with middle school students. Officials said this falls under the agency's DEI framework, which “includes creating a safe and supportive environment where all students feel welcome.” After reviewing some of the data, we found that some students could benefit from additional support, such as mentoring programs. ”
Nassau BOCES has been providing DEI professional development to districts for more than 15 years and has evolved to cover the state's DEI initiatives, according to program coordinator Gina Faust. The agency offers workshops and consultants who can work with districts to figure out their state's DEI framework.
Workshops offered this year include training on culturally responsive teaching, equity-focused conversations for school leaders, and understanding implicit bias. Last month, the agency held a workshop on how educators can better understand microaggressions and what to do when they occur.
“We need to really establish a learning environment that meets the needs and supports all students, no matter what their unique experiences and perspectives,” Faust said.
Shaundrica Langley-Gray, assistant director of curriculum and instruction, said Nassau BOCES' Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Support Services provide staff with resources to “feel safe to call and ask questions.” Stated.
“It's important to work in a spirit of cooperation and trust, and they feel like they can trust you,” Langley-Gray said.
Other local districts are also stepping up efforts. He has 42 people on his DEI committee for the Westbury area. Each building has its own DEI committee members who participate in training and action planning meetings.
The Center Moriches district, which enrolls about 1,500 students, began its DEI journey about four years ago. The district follows an equity plan that is revised and adopted annually by the school board. The most recent update was in August.
This plan includes reviewing field trips, appointing a DEI liaison, and evaluating buildings, homework, student discipline, and professional development.
According to the plan, the goal is to “ensure that the curriculum includes diverse representation and provide students with multiple opportunities to experience people of all cultural identities.”
Ricardo Soto, Center Moriches’ associate superintendent of student services, human resources, and instructional technology, has served as the district-wide DEI chair for the past four years. The district's demographics have changed from 13% to 14% Hispanic students to now nearly a quarter are Hispanic and about 5% black or African American, he said. Stated. Additionally, approximately 7% of students are from the Poospatak Reservation.
“We are working on this activity to give our students every opportunity to understand the global environment that exists outside their immediate home,” he said.
Equity planning touches every part of the school experience. In May of this year, the area held its first cultural festival, which attracted approximately 1,300 local residents. Organizers had expected half that number.
To those who have questioned such policies, he said, “We have had some challenging conversations, but I am open to different points of view and will not silence or consider opposing viewpoints.'' I was able to overcome it without trying to do anything,” Soto said.