‘Diversity, Equity And Inclusion’ Commitment Must Come From Top Down
To the Editor:
At last night’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting [December 7], board Chair Deborra Zukowski suggested removing the words “diversity, equity and inclusion” from the BOE’s policy statement. She did so in the manner often used to politely negate the truths, experiences, and needs of people of color.
She stated that she actually loves the meaning behind these words but that, because they have become “politicized” they might cause further division in our community.
In the same meeting, one of our newest board members, Don Ramsey, stated that “words have power” — and I couldn’t agree more. The act of removing these powerful words is greatly indicative of the true intention.
Kudos to [BOE member] Rebekah Harriman Stites for reminding the board that we have recently hired Mr. Wes Johnson as our Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The commitment to this work must come from the top down and be the expectation. It is not merely optional language that can be watered down as not to offend those who do not wish to do the work.
Respectfully,
Christine E. Miller
Sandy Hook
So, let me unpack this. Qstorm feels that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is anti American dogma. It is designed to indoctrinate – [the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically], not educate. That statement sounds like projection to me.
{add to my previous comment}
Kowtowing to a small vocal woke [alert to injustice in society, especially racism] group.