Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan
Letter to the Williamsville Community
To Our Williamsville Community:
As you know, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or DEI, as it is commonly referred to, is much more than an acronym. It is an important part of our fabric as a school district. Along with our entire faculty, staff, and Board of Education, I am honored to continue this important work that started in Williamsville many years ago.
Every student should be able to come to school each day and participate fully - as their full self. Not only should our students feel a sense of belonging, but every employee should feel that sense, too. If we say we appreciate diversity, we have to show it in our school resources, learning materials, interactions, hiring practices, and professional learning. Our DEI Plan, which was carefully crafted by Williamsville stakeholders for Williamsville, allows us to accomplish this. Our continued work will lead to what we witness on the State Education Department’s video “Equity, Excellence, and Access”, where New York students explain that learning becomes possible – and joyful – when they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are!
Following the initiative to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools across New York State, the Board of Regents expects “that all school districts will develop policies that advance diversity, equity and inclusion – and that they implement such policies with fidelity and urgency.” The District’s DEI policy (#3431), which was adopted by the Williamsville Board of Education on October 12, 2021, accomplishes this. I ask that we keep in mind, our District DEI plan is a five-year plan, in line with our Strategic Plan.
We have included the Board of Regents Call to Action and the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework (CR-S) as an addendum to our plan to show the magnitude of work that it requires to ensure that all of our students are having a full and robust educational experience. I encourage you to also examine the CR-S document, as it has sections that apply to all stakeholders – showing that everyone plays a significant part in this important work – which is grounded in these four principles: Welcoming and Affirming Environment, High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction, Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment, and Ongoing Professional Learning.
We look forward to educating and updating our school community on the progress of our District’s DEI Plan as we continue this important work.
Sincerely,
Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall
Superintendent of Schools