Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Mission of D28
“Empower every learner to grow and change the world.”
Advancing the District 28 mission requires a collective responsibility and effort from students, staff, parents and the board of education -- our entire learning community -- in two distinct and related areas of practice: equity and inclusion for our diversity of students, staff and families.
Bringing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to Life
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are vital for learning and are essential components of our mission. We must be intentional and action-oriented in embracing diversity, creating equity and cultivating inclusion in every school and classroom by developing curriculum, creating programming, designing student supports, providing professional development, and expanding outreach in hiring practices.
Diversity
Different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more innovative educational environment. We strive to create an educational community that reflects the complex and interconnected world in which we live and where each person feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to school each day. We believe that our individual differences are strengths to be celebrated, not diminished or concealed, and that they enrich all aspects of our daily lives.
Equity
A student’s or staff member’s identity, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, immigration status, language, religion, learning style and/or abilities should not predict their success. Therefore, we work to eradicate educational disparities and commit appropriate resources so that all students and staff are provided the differentiated tools and supports necessary to achieve their personal best.
Inclusion
We strive to build and nurture a culture where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected in our schools, classrooms, meeting spaces and board room - where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. We believe that each member of our educational community deserves to feel a sense of belonging - a belonging that allows each of us to feel safe, seen, heard and understood - a belonging that empowers all of us to be engaged and informed citizens who will bring about positive change in the world.
In support of diversity, inclusion and equity in District 28, all members of our community
commit to:
- Respect every individual
- Trust each other to engage in difficult conversations
- Share our unique stories and listen to others’ stories
- Learn from different perspectives and experiences
- Examine our biases and endeavor to overcome them
- Foster belonging, connectedness and safety
- Invest in the personal growth of children and adults alike
- Forgive each other as we make mistakes, learn and grow in this work
The work of bringing DEI to life is our responsibility - it is perpetual, not a project to be completed or a program to be implemented. Equity and inclusion are beliefs and actions that we must uphold with integrity every day and continuously challenge ourselves to embody, sustain and improve upon for the benefit of everyone in our diverse learning community.