Defense of DEI In Public Education

I’m proud to share that the Southwest Tech School Board passed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion resolution on May 12th by a 8-2 vote — a resolution I had the honor of writing and introducing.

And, that's because I believe DEI is more than a policy. It’s a promise: that every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported in their education.

At a time when DEI is being politicized and attacked across the country, our board chose to lead with clarity, courage, and care. I’m incredibly grateful to my fellow board members who stood in support of this vision. Together, we made it clear: diversity is not a threat — it is a strength.

Here is the full text of the resolution we adopted:

Resolution in Defense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Education

WHEREAS, all students deserve access to an education that honors their humanity, reflects their identities, and prepares them for a future of possibility; and

WHEREAS, ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools threaten the well-being and success of students across the country, particularly those who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, multilingual, undocumented, in foster care, or experiencing poverty; and

WHEREAS, public education has a responsibility to do more than avoid discrimination — it must actively create environments where every student feels safe, seen, and supported;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Southwest Vermont Regional Technical School District (SVRTSD) affirms that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not a threat. It is a promise. A promise that every student matters. Every identity is welcome. Every classroom should be a place of safety and opportunity;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that SVRTSD will continue to advance policies, programs, and practices that foster belonging and educational equity — including, but not limited to, anti-racist professional development, inclusive curriculum design, affinity and support spaces for students, multilingual family engagement, and equity-centered partnerships with community organizations;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board rejects any effort — federal, state, or local — to undermine, intimidate, or dismantle inclusion in public education, and will continue to lead with clarity, courage, and care;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent shall annually review and report on the district’s progress toward advancing equity and inclusion, including disaggregated data, community feedback, and specific actions taken to create a learning environment where all students can thrive.