2019-05-03-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Update on Human and Civil Rights Related Policy Reforms and Initiatives main/231/5-7- 19%20SC%2OPacket.pdf) Presentation by Dr. Julie Hackett (LPS Superintendent) and her staff • Dr. Hackett opened with recap of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Call to Action paper, the ongoing DEI audit; she stated that the discipline disparity issue was what prompted the paper; noted that while the overall rate of suspensions is low compared to other schools, the disproportionality itself is evidence of a problem • Operational Definitions for the purposes of the presentation and the underlying work: i. Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender, but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values. ii. Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. iii. Inclusion is the act of authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision- and policy-making in a way that shares power. • Dr. Kavanaugh presented an update on discipline. The discussion included new data collections, review procedures and supports to promote better understanding and reflection among district and school leaders. She noted the previously inconsistent data collection; noted that now the data included elements such as office and other referrals that were not previously recorded; data now examined by teams, (e.g. elementary school team)but also examined vertically (K-12); she noted that during the process it was clear everyone needed to see the data on discipline, something that apparently was not the case in the past • She stated that there is an ongoing process of calibration among leaders& faculty members, with a focus on issues of equity. Dr. Kavanaugh noted as an example of inconsistent data (by building, grade span)—there were two students, one was suspended for plagiarism and the other was not. A deeper investigation revealed the suspended student to be a repeat offender. LPS also noticed process issues with the vague definitions of non-compliance, disrespect, physical aggression w/or W/out intent to harm; Barbara Hamilton pointed out that intent to harm requires interpretation