Lake Placid School sets Diversity, Equity, Inclusion policy

LAKE PLACID | There is a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) policy in place at Lake Placid Central schools. The School Board here approved the measure as guidance at its July 6 meeting. Tenets and goals were based on recommendations from a DEI Committee. The measure was also reviewed by the school's Policy Committee. The new policy was developed to create and maintain "a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel safe, included, welcomed, and accepted" in Lake Placid schools. The opening statement says: "There will be no barriers to full participation in the LPCSD community as a student, employee, family member, or volunteer, on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health status, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity." School Superintendent Dr. Roger Catania said the process to establish the new diversity policy was spearheaded by the DEI Committee, a group comprised of district parents, faculty, administrators, students, and community members. "The DEI Committee worked throughout the school year to develop this policy and navigate toward eventual Board approval. "From its inception, the committee sought to lower the barriers to full scholastic participation, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, identity, income, and any other characteristic reflecting human diversity." Among numerous items, Lake Placid schools will utilize the new measure for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to: Examine and address any institutional barriers to ensure equity and inclusion for all students and staff. Develop programs and activities that promote kindness, understanding, inclusion, respect, fairness, decency, and empathy. Encourage teaching and learning that examines historical injustices and inequalities that have influenced our society Advance instruction that engages students at a high level, considers multiple viewpoints, utilizes valid evidence, inspires analysis of complicated ideas, and promotes critical thinking about these topics. Develop initiatives to lower barriers to success and provide new experiences to prepare students for a diverse world. The policy was first read at the June 15 Board of Education meeting, officials said in a news release. "During its first reading the Board invited public input, and following its second reading, on July 6th, the Board approved final changes before voting unanimously in support of the policy." Superintendent Catania congratulated the School Board for its work, with special praise for the DEI Committee and its leader, parent, and Board member Martha Spear. School leaders expressed hope and optimism in implementing the policy. "Racism, bigotry, discrimination, and exclusion have no place in our schools, or for that matter in society at large," Catania said. "I hope that this policy will inspire us to move forward, and will help us to build a brighter future for our students and our community." The new DEI policy is publicly available online via the school's website. All LPCSD Board meetings are live-streamed, recorded, and available for public review and can be accessed at www.lpcsd.org

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Lake Placid School sets Diversity, Equity, Inclusion policy

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