CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY RECOMMENDATIONS UNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MARCH 2021
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITYRECOMMENDATIONSUNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION
MARCH 2021
UNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATED OBJECTIVE
• Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity • The committee will serve as a forum to address conversations about
diversity and promote a school community that embraces acceptance, denounces, and takes action against prejudice and discrimination. (UCPS.k12.nc.us)
KEY FINDINGS
• The experiences of students of color in UCPS around diversity, equity and inclusion have not been positive – issues with both their peers and teachers.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion have not been a priority for the district in hiring, staffing and training.
• District policies have not served all students equitably
• There are disparities in resource distribution between “East” vs “West” school clusters
RECOMMENDATION AREAS
• Student Experience – Improve student experience through interventions/conversations at schools
• DEI Hiring/Staffing/Training – Provide continuous improvement
• Policy Changes – Drive systemic change
• Resource Distribution – Offer equitable opportunity for all
RECOMMENDATION #1 STUDENT EXPERIENCE:COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS IN SCHOOLS (PK-12)
• Incorporate diversity, equity & inclusion conversations to address issues
• Add High School programming to address issues at the school level – must be meaningful – not just talk. Opportunity to share real-world experiences.
• Incorporate interventions/educational opportunities for infractions – to increase cultural competence; educate students and staff on DEI (ex. Restorative Practices Training & Implementation)
• Implement marketing to highlight DEI & district-sponsored cultural awareness at all schools
• Student & faculty involvement to create impactful content (ex. “Discovering Culture” Days/Multicultural Days)
RECOMMENDATION #1 STUDENT EXPERIENCE:COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS IN SCHOOLS (PK-12)
• Address curriculum concerns including inaccurate representations of other cultures, religions as negative• Develop more culturally responsive curriculum across social studies, history, etc.
• Align DEI competence with Graduate Profile project
• Support students by addressing trauma & impact of discrimination and microaggressions
• Equip Teachers with Social Emotional Learning
RECOMMENDATION #2 DEI HIRING/STAFFING/TRAINING: DEI PROFESSIONAL AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL
• Hire a senior level “Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer” (external, new hire) and create an Office of Equity. Responsibilities include:• Focusing on diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) throughout the entire system
• Assessing needs/issues in district (diagnostic); making recommendations
• Equitable placement into EC and alternative settings to address disproportionate representation
• Address inequitable application of disciplinary practices
• Managing Change Management/Diversity Initiative district-wide
• Initiate a district-wide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (on-going) training initiative
• Implementing district-wide marketing program to foster cross-cultural/DEI respect
RECOMMENDATION #2 DEI HIRING/STAFFING/TRAINING: DEI PROFESSIONAL AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL
• Hire a senior level “Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer” (external, new hire) and create an Office of Equity. Responsibilities include (cont’d):• Continuing Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity council (combination of UCPS
employees, students, parents & the community)
• Providing input and “guardrails” on how decisions are being made and hold district accountable for DEI
• Acting in ”EEO”-type role where issues can be vetted
• Collaborating with HR Team in hiring of diverse faculty & administrative staff & coaches
RECOMMENDATION #3: POLICY CHANGESADDRESS POLICY THROUGH EQUITABLE LENS
• Incorporate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion values in the UCPS vision & mission statement• Communicate values and expectations from the top leadership levels “here’s what we value and
here are our expectations”
• High accountability for administrators, faculty & staff
• Transparency – provide clear policy and information to students, parents, community, and staff
• “Whole child” focus – hiring mental health professionals, additional nurses, Social Emotional Learning emphasis
• Report card results – address both wins and challenges
• Create policy to hold faculty, staff & administration accountable for upholding the values of diversity, equity & inclusion• Diversity training (# of hours) requirement
• “Zero tolerance” of discriminatory behavior for faculty & administration
RECOMMENDATION #4 RESOURCE DISTRIBUTIONTAKE STEPS TO ADDRESS INEQUITIES• Address inequities between “East vs West” school clusters
• Transparency about district-sponsored resources, PTOs, data/information
• Provide more support & resources for ESL families
• Equitable representation of communities on BOE
• Recruitment, Encouragement & Enrollment
• Promotion & marketing to all high performing students
• Educate parents about opportunities within district
• IB programs (provide transportation); AP classes (equitable representation)
• Gate sharing for athletics; more UCPS support for field maintenance
• Establish more mentoring programs for students
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS
• Initiate national search (NC School Board Association) for Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
• Comprehensive review of strategic plan for implementation of DEI initiatives
• Continue Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Diversity council (combination of UCPS employees, students, parents & the community)