Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At ABRSD, we are dedicated to creating and sustaining inclusive classrooms, schools, and systems that foster a sense of belonging for each and every student. At the core of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is our commitment to disrupt the dominant culture and the systemic, institutional biases within our school system that currently limit or impede opportunity or access for minoritized students. This work requires continuous learning so that we can identify, examine, and confront our language, practices, procedures, and policies that directly or indirectly promote or sustain inequitable outcomes and deficit thinking.

Our District Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity: the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. While diversity itself is not a value-laden term, the way that people react to diversity is driven by values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. (Adapted from the National Education Association) Equity: securing needed supports, opportunities, and resources for individuals and groups of students who typically haven't received what they need from schools (Adapted from Mica Pollack's Schooltalk: Rethinking What We Say About- and to- Students Everyday)
Inclusion: is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our society; it is about transforming those systems and strategies to make it better for everyone. Inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone.  (Diane Richler, Inclusion International)



Talking with Your Kids About Hate, Bias, and More

Happy Kids

Discrimination and Harassment Policies and Procedures

The District is committed to maintaining a school environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate harassment of staff or students based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. In addition, students who are homeless (McKinney-Vento Act) or of limited English-speaking ability are also protected from discrimination. For details, read the following documentation: 

Any individual who wishes to file a complaint alleging harassment may inform any trusted staff member or a supervisor.  If an employee does not wish to discuss the issue with a staff member or supervisor, or who feels that the problem was not addressed in an effective manner, the employee should contact the Director for DEI.  

Protocols for Responding to Hate and Bias
Protocolos Para Responder a Incidentes Que Involucren Odio o Prejuicio
Protocolos Para Responder ao Ódio e Preconceito
应对仇恨和偏见的协议

Talking with children about difficult topics. like bias, race, and hate can be challenging.  We are sharing a few supports for families and staff to engage in this dialogue below. Glenn Singleton refers to four agreements of courageous conversations, which are briefly outlined below.  

The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations

  1. Stay engaged: Staying engaged means “remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally involved in the dialogue” (p. 71).

  2. Speak your truth: This means being open about thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear.

  3. Experience discomfort: This norm acknowledges that discomfort is inevitable, especially, in dialogue about race, and that participants make a commitment to bring issues into the open. It is not talking about these issues that create divisiveness. The divisiveness already exists in society and in our schools. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, the healing and change begin.

  4. Expect and accept nonclosure: This agreement asks participants to “hang out in uncertainty” and not rush to quick solutions, especially in relation to racial understanding, which requires ongoing dialogue.

Adapted from: Singleton, G.E. (2015). Courageous Conversations about Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Title IX Training Materials

The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is the Districts' Title IX Coordinator and can be contacted by email or Phone: x 11301
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