Contrary to popular understanding, DEI initiatives define the ways teachers carry out their professional responsibilities to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why would anyone argue with or pass legislation to inhibit teachers' ability to nurture the children in their care?
Perhaps if we put the acronym aside, as it's so fraught with emotion and negative connotations, we can quiet the DEI uproar for a moment to examine the meaning of each word.
Diversity means variety or difference- as there is a diverse set of students who walk through the doors of our schools and classrooms. Just as there is a diverse set of Oreos, themed Monopoly games, and Ben and Jerry flavors. And there is a diverse set of cuisines (and even blended cuisines) like Indo-Chinese, Tex-Mex, and Asian Fusion.
We love diversity. We welcome diversity!
Shouldn't all students feel loved and welcomed?
Equity means the quality of being fair and impartial. In school, equity means that the student who broke her leg is entitled to use an elevator, the student with ADHD gets preferential seating, and the student with the broken wrist has a scribe and gets copies of notes. Equity means the student who is blind will have access to Braille, and the student with a hearing impairment will have teachers who wear a microphone to amplify their voice.
Equity means each student will receive accommodations to ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities.
Shouldn't all students have equal access to an education?
Inclusion means being included in a group. In school, inclusion means students' concerns are heard, their voices matter, and they are included as a part of something larger than themselves.
Shouldn't all students be included?
And when educators respect diversity, and ensure equity and inclusion, the outcome is that students feel like they belong. They can show up to school with all of their worries, doubts, and imperfections, and know they are welcome them for who they are.
Shouldn't all students be welcomed for who they are?
A sense of belonging is how we thrive as friends, colleagues, community members and citizens of the world. And despite indications to the contrary, centering DEI initiatives are how we get there.
Can we somehow lose the acronym that's become so fraught with divisiveness, so we can continue to look out for the needs of our children without fear of repercussions?
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