In 2020, over 7,000 community members signed our petition affirming that Acalanes Union High School District and Lafayette School District students deserve to learn in classrooms that are anti-racist, anti-biased, inclusive, and equitable. This work includes creating safe, accessible, and supportive classroom communities for students of all identities, including LGBTQIA+ students and students with diverse abilities. We heard you loud and clear, and our school districts were listening closely too.
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) goals that our districts have met are based on data that show when students feel seen and supported, it has a positive and direct impact on their academic success, mental health, and sense of safety. This change that has allowed students to thrive as leaders and as learners is now under attack.
As we approach the upcoming school board elections, we have seen two vastly different groups of candidates emerge for both districts. As authors of this petition, a grass roots parent group with a multi-year track record of service to both school districts, we offer our full endorsement for LAFSD candidates Katy Foreman and incumbents, Rob Sturm and Dave Smith, and AUHSD candidates Jennifer Chen and incumbents, Nancy Kendzierksi and Chris Severson. These candidates have a strong history of supporting DEIB efforts and all students in our schools and communities.
We are so proud to report that LAFSD and AUHSD have made tremendous progress towards the goals that we shared with you two years ago. These six candidates, Foreman, Sturm, Smith, Chen, Kendzierksi and Severson, have consistently contributed to DEIB work in our schools and communities, either as part of the current boards or by supporting the students and community in volunteer positions for years.
This is why these candidates have our full support in this November’s election!
Below is a detailed update on the progress made by both districts. You will find listed new and revised policies, resolutions, course offerings, professional development and student and family support programs. While we are inspired and energized by the progress that AUHSD and LAFSD continue to make towards these goals, we know that strong commitment to DEIB from each school board member is crucial. Please cast your VOTE on November 8th!
In solidarity and action,
Walamorinda Community for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Education
AUHSD
POLICIES
- Racial Equity Board Policy
- Intradistrict Attendance Policy
- Updated Student Wellness Board Policy
RESOLUTIONS
- Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
- Recognizing and honoring Black Excellence Month
- Recognizing and honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Recognizing and honoring Latine, LatinX and Hispanic Heritage Month
- Recognizing and honoring LGBQTIA+ Pride Month
CURRICULUM
- Introduction to Ethnic Studies
- Deconstructing Race
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Restorative Practices/Circles training
- Beyond Diversity, Beyond Diversity II and Leads workshops (as well as additional seminars and training facilitated by the Pacific Educational Group and Dr. Anthony Muhammad)
STUDENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
- BIRT (Bias Incident Response Team)
- Expansion of Wellness Centers and support
- Suicide prevention programs
- Hiring of Director of Student Support, Equity and Inclusion
- Leadership Equity Council
- Equity Academies
- Partnering with Rainbow Community Center to support LGBQTIA+ students and families
- Student presentations at City DEIB and community events
- Athletic Leadership Council
- Speaker series
- Affinity clubs (BSU, ASU, Latine/LatinX/Hispanic Clubs, DEI Clubs, cultural clubs, etc.)
- Voter registration
PARENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
- DEIB parent committee monthly meetings
- Webinars for all parents on cohort curriculum
- Administrative support for all parent leaders
- Collaboration between district and parents to develop DEIB plans
- Opportunities for students and parents at city and community events
LAFSD
POLICIES
- Racial Equity Board Policy
- Administrative Regulations for Board Policy
RESOLUTIONS
- LGBQTIA+ Pride Month
- 2022-2023 District Goals which include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- New cohort of teachers entering “Elevation to Transformation” - an introduction to racial equity
- Additional teachers participating in “Deeper Dive” to collaborate and reflect on practice
- Leadership Team (cabinet + site administration) focused on DEIB framework
- Continued Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training
- Gender spectrum training
- Restorative Practices/Circles training
CURRIUCLUM
- Culturally relevant teaching with a focus on inclusion and belonging
- Examining how pedagogy and classroom practices can reflect unconscious bias, or single rather than multiple perspectives
- Talking explicitly about race to enrich school communities for all students (read alouds, project based experiences, role models, student leadership)
STUDENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
- BIRS (Bias Incident Reporting System)
- No Place for Hate Program
- SLAM (Student Leaders Anti-Racist Movement)
- Counselor at every school site
- Continued development of SEL programs
- Human Growth and Development health program for 6th-8th graders
PARENT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
- BIRS (Bias Incident Reporting System)
- Racial Equity Seminars for Parents
- DEIB Parent Committees at every site