So Let’s Talk About DEI
A lot of inaccurate commentary has been circulating for and against DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. So please allow me to clarify a few points that I think are getting lost in all the noise.
First, let’s get clear on the terms:
The first is Diversity. It means having a variety of people, or diverse points of view. All things one would say, “ok, we have a variety of people or viewpoints so we can make sure we see the whole picture.”
The second term is Equity. It means fair. Who can argue with fairness?
The last term is Inclusion. It means belonging. Think back when you were a kid on the playground at recess. Didn’t you want to be included in the game?
So the question I continually ask is, “Why are people so afraid?” If people truly understood what DEI is and what it is not, schools could rightly go back to the work of educating all students, regardless of background or circumstances. Here are just a few of the areas where DEI benefits students, families, and society.
1. Addressing Systemic Disadvantage: Title 1 funding is specifically designed to help low-income students. By ensuring access to needed resources, students are better able to succeed academically, socially, and economically. Leveling the playing field just seems fair.
2. Creating Inclusive Environments: Having inclusive and welcoming school environments for students from diverse backgrounds can lead to improved student engagement, a greater sense of belonging, and better academic outcomes, particularly for students who might otherwise feel ‘not included’.
3. Cultural Competence and Understanding: Promoting cultural competence among students and educators can lead to more effective teaching and learning. Being able to understand and respond to the needs of all students is the goal of education.
4. Preparing Students for a Diverse World: Schools play a crucial role in preparing students for the diverse world they will enter after graduation. Students need to develop the skills and understanding necessary to interact with the global community.
5. Targeted Support is Not Discrimination: Federal grants like Title 1 and The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are inherently targeted at specific groups. The intention is to provide necessary support to those who need it most, not to discriminate against others. Likewise, these well-designed programs aim to provide targeted support to address unfair practices without excluding any student.
6. Local Control: School districts are in the best position to understand the specific needs of their students. If federal guidance becomes overly restrictive and hinders their ability to implement programs that address the unique challenges faced by their diverse student populations, it could hamstring local control. But, if there is insufficient guidance from the federal and state levels, confusion can result in students being left out ~ excluded ~ from access and opportunity solely because of their background or circumstance. That is just not fair.
Don’t let others tell you what to think. Don’t be led down a path of inaccurate information. Don’t be fooled by the razzle dazzle of partisan talking points. Just ask yourself what is fair so all students feel they belong and that who they are, matters.