Resolution - Diversity & Equity
Resolution Newtown BOE – 7/7/20
Promoting Diversity & Equity
WHEREAS, we believe that ALL students should be inspired to attain and apply the knowledge and skills and attributes that lead to personal success while becoming a contributing member of a dynamic global society;
WHEREAS, we know that every student in our care has the right to an equitable educational experience - regardless of race, religion, ability, ethnicity, identity, socioeconomic status, or gender;
WHEREAS, we agree that institutional racism and bias promote barriers to student learning, create academic gaps, and directly conflict with the core values and beliefs of Newtown Public Schools;
WHEREAS, we must vow to confront all incidents of inherent bias and racism in our schools and hold all individuals accountable for their actions;
WHEREAS, we value differences in others’ beliefs, intellectual ideas, and backgrounds;
WHEREAS, we promote an appreciation of diverse cultures, groups, people, and perspectives;
WHEREAS, we celebrate the individual academic, social, and civic contributions of individuals within our school community;
WHEREAS, student, parent, staff, and community voices are integral in building a climate of trust, respect, and dignity while creating opportunities that minimize disparities in educational outcomes;
WHEREAS, we believe that continuous improvement requires the courage to change long-standing biases and institutional norms;
Now, therefore, the Newtown Board of Education RESOLVES to:
Promoting Diversity & Equity
WHEREAS, we believe that ALL students should be inspired to attain and apply the knowledge and skills and attributes that lead to personal success while becoming a contributing member of a dynamic global society;
WHEREAS, we know that every student in our care has the right to an equitable educational experience - regardless of race, religion, ability, ethnicity, identity, socioeconomic status, or gender;
WHEREAS, we agree that institutional racism and bias promote barriers to student learning, create academic gaps, and directly conflict with the core values and beliefs of Newtown Public Schools;
WHEREAS, we must vow to confront all incidents of inherent bias and racism in our schools and hold all individuals accountable for their actions;
WHEREAS, we value differences in others’ beliefs, intellectual ideas, and backgrounds;
WHEREAS, we promote an appreciation of diverse cultures, groups, people, and perspectives;
WHEREAS, we celebrate the individual academic, social, and civic contributions of individuals within our school community;
WHEREAS, student, parent, staff, and community voices are integral in building a climate of trust, respect, and dignity while creating opportunities that minimize disparities in educational outcomes;
WHEREAS, we believe that continuous improvement requires the courage to change long-standing biases and institutional norms;
Now, therefore, the Newtown Board of Education RESOLVES to:
- support the development of academic pathways, instructional activities, extracurricular opportunities, and field experiences that promote a richer awareness of culture and racial diversity;
- review and monitor policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity;
- review curriculum in grades K-12 through the lens of multicultural and diverse perspectives;
- establish a clear protocol that records and reports incidents of racism occurring within the schools and holds all staff and students accountable for their actions;
- review and employ mechanisms (e.g., anonymous tips, trusted adults) to allow students and staff to share sensitive or confidential information that will help in the investigation of acts of bullying, harassment, and racism;
- continue to support best practices and social/emotional programs and resources to ensure that every student feels safe in a supportive environment;
- provide training for all staff aimed at maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students, including students of color;
- support the Superintendent’s initiatives in creating community conversations in diversity and equity that will lead to systemic improvements.