The Regional School District's DEIB Initiative: Promoting Anti-Racism Education and Inclusion
The Concord Bridge recently spoke with Andrew Nyamekye, the district's DEIB director, to learn more about the initiatives and programs implemented by the district. One of the most significant developments is the creation of an integrated reporting system for bias incidents and hate crimes. This system aims to provide a safe and confidential way for students and staff to report any instances of bias, discrimination, or hate crimes. The reporting form will be available in every school, and students can access it through a QR code displayed on a large flier in each classroom. Any reported incident will go directly to the administration, with the principal, assistant principal, and DEIB director receiving a copy. This ensures that incidents are promptly addressed, and affected individuals receive support and guidance.
Besides the reporting system, the district has also expanded training for staff on implicit bias. Every summer, all support staff, including food services, maintenance crew, building servers, workers, bus drivers, tutors, paraprofessionals, admin assistants, attend an implicit bias training program. This comprehensive approach aims to create a culture of awareness and respect within the district's workforce.
In addition to staff training, students are also being taught about DEIB through various programs and assemblies. At Concord Middle School, all ninth graders participate in implicit bias training, while at the high school, students attend a schoolwide DEIB assembly featuring a student panel representing different racial, ethnic, religious, and gender backgrounds. The district has also partnered with the Celtics' Organization Shamrock Foundation to conduct an anti-discrimination and anti-bullying training program for middle school students.
The Concord Bridge asked Andrew Nyamekye about hate-driven incidents reported in the past school year and how the district responded to them. While data is still being compiled, the DEIB director mentioned that a two-year racial equity audit revealed concerning statistics: 60 percent of middle and high school students of color were unaware of a process for handling bias incidents, while 64 percent of white students at the middle school and high school had similar doubts.
The district has acknowledged these gaps in knowledge and is working to address them through education and awareness initiatives. Nyamekye emphasized that the DEIB initiative aims to create a culture where all individuals feel included, valued, and respected. The district's commitment to anti-racism education and inclusion is clear, as evidenced by the numerous programs and trainings implemented over the past year.
As the school year progresses, the district will continue to refine its approach to DEIB, incorporating feedback from students, staff, and parents. The ultimate goal remains the same – to create a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.