2020-06-25-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Bullying • GS: Understands there is a legal definition that LPS has to work with, however believes the issue isn't understood by parents because I've heard a lot of personal stories that seem to me to meet the definition as its officially written. Concerned about black students in particular in light of the recent report about the black student experience at LHS. If students are expressing issues LPS needs to take it seriously and gather their own data, especially since they have access to a larger pool of students. • Suspension • MDR: LHRC has the stated goal to be supportive and work within the limitation of a body that does not have that much power. LHRC has worked to try and get a survey of disparities in discipline but buy in is needed from officials to make things happen. • Hiring • CC: Issues persist in representation of minorities in town staff and how Diversity Officer could be effective in addressing the issue. • MDR: There are questions about recruiting and retaining minority staff that need to be examined. There are no principals of color currently • SB: Diversity Officer Johnny Cole is aware of the issue and working on it • TG: Newton North Principal is former LPS employee. • FYH: Issue has been going on for 20 years, Lexington budget approval timing negatively impacts LPS's ability to hire the best candidates. Leadership has to have the will to make the changes. • LGBTQ Data • MDR: Shifting to YRBS data, it is important that LGBTQ students feel supported in their environment or else they are not being given the appropriate opportunity to access education. • GS: Demographic break down is missing SPED students as a population. Wants to see the responses for SPED students and also the responses by racial/ethnic group, believes that these populations have taken the hardest hit from the COVID shutdown • SB: Will check on getting access to YRBS data for SPED and racial minorities. • MDR: Mental health for these marginalized populations needs to be prioritized. Library and Human Services are great models for diversity of staff and delivery of services to the public. • TG: Is thankful to Human Services for making Sharon Gunda available to the public during this time. • Discussion on motions to LPS. • Recommendations to the School Committee • MI: Recommends changing language to require initial anti bias training and biennial training thereafter. • JB: Clarification on biannual vs biennial. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420