DEAR EDITOR:

We oppose the mandate from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which compels school superintendents to certify compliance with the federal mandate that they are following federal civil rights laws and ending any discriminating diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

We believe the mandate is an intimidation tactic by threatening to withhold funding (Title I and Title II) from the school districts if they don’t comply. Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights said, “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right.” He forgets that federal money is taxpayers’ money. Withholding Title I and II would affect districts with high poverty rates. Title II focuses on training teachers and other school leaders. Title I is used for student services, which will include educational opportunities, particularly reading and math. It aims to help students meet state standards.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is more than just race. It also includes gender, language, socio-economic status, and physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. For years, inclusion meant creating learning environments and including those with learning disabilities, where all students learned together. How can teachers be expected to meet students’ needs without providing differentiated lessons? According to the state of Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, teachers are required to differentiate education. This is an example of equity. If we do not have diversity, does that mean we have separate classes for girls and boys or separate classes for black and white students. That is segregation. Research shows that black students benefit by having at least one teacher of color. In addition, research shows that white students’ problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills increase when they have at least one teacher of color.

Who is better equipped to decide how to meet the diverse needs of all students than the schools themselves? The goal should be true equity for all students to allow them to reach their full potential.

We are asking Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to reconsider the implementation of this mandate as it is currently presented.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Planning Committee

Penny Wells

Vicki Vicars

Payne Warner

Michaela Write Lew Macklin

Deanna Ford

Mahoning Valley Association of Churches

Chet Cooper, Board Chair

Vicki Vicars

Payne Warner

Brenda Antenucci

Ted Brown

Penny Wells

Cathy Prokrivna