DEIAC Policy Update
During the September 22nd school board meeting, they discussed updating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory (DEIAC) policy. You can watch the meeting here.
They discussed removing the requirement that "Committee members are expected to have a demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, advancing the District’s DEI initiatives and efforts." This was a requirement in the previous policy, and I repeatedly expressed to the entire board the importance of these 20 words.
Without them, the DEIAC would be open to people who are transphobic, racist, and have no interest in welcoming new, diverse communities into our district.
Watch some of the discussion about the need for diversity of thought over protecting and elevating diverse identities.
Diversity of thought exists across people who support DEI and serve on the committee. I appreciate Dr. Gold's comments that she has been in the meetings and can attest to the diversity of thought in the room.
And Tim calls me out, not by name, in his comments because a person who only recently moved into the community (me in 2022) was selected to be on the DEIAC, while people who have lived here for generations haven't been selected. And it's that requirement to further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices across the district that has prevented some people from applying.
We cannot have a functional, safe, inclusive DEIAC without the clear commitment to further DEI practices in the district. We are not debating the need or value of supporting DEI. The DEIAC is open to people of all religions, newcomers, legacy families, and people of all abilities.
And the reality is, Tim has never attended a meeting of the DEIAC. How can you update a policy for a committee that you do not understand how members are selected and you have never attended a meeting?
In the end, the policy was passed with the commitment to further DEI included by a vote of 6-0.
(At the 2 hour 14 minute and 18 second mark, I said policy when I meant meeting.)
This election comes down to voting for a person who supports furthering DEI in Saline Area Schools or someone who would thwart the progress of DEI initiatives.
We need your support to help elect Charlie Hirst to the 2-year partial term on the Saline Area School board this year. Please complete this form if you want to get involved.
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