Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework, Policy Statement and Guidance to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in New York Public Schools.

The Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department announced a call to action regarding diversity, equity and inclusion in K-12 schools. The call to action states, “New York State understands that the responsibility of education is not only to prevent the exclusion of historically silenced, erased, and disenfranchised groups, but also to assist in the promotion and perpetuation of cultures, languages and ways of knowing that have been devalued, suppressed, and imperiled by years of educational, social, political, economic neglect and other forms of oppression.”

NYSED defines diversity, equity and inclusion within this framework as:

Diversity: Includes but is not limited to race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability,genetic information, and learning styles.

Equity: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of all groups. 

Inclusion: Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources.

In 2020 the New York State Division of Human Rights released Guidance on Protections from Gender Identity Discrimination that the Brockport Central School District adheres to throughout our building. The New York State Education Department also released an updated Framework for Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environments for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students in June 2023.