Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
INTRODUCTION
In 2021, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was created in Port Huron Schools. The office was created to promote and support the diversity, equity and inclusion goals of the district.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion definitions
Diversity: Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, (dis)ability, military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences.
Equity: Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. Equity is different than equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Being equitable means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities — historic and current — that advantage some and disadvantage others. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities.
Inclusion: Inclusion refers to a campus community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to participate and achieve to their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. An institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, thus a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.
Source: University of Iowa Library Guide: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ( https://guides.lib.uiowa.edu/dei)
Educational Equity: When educational policies, practices, interactions, and resources, are representative of, constructed by, and responsive to all people such that each individual has access to, can meaningfully participate, and make progress in high-quality learning experiences that empowers them towards self-determination and reduces disparities in outcomes regardless of individual characteristics and cultural identities.
Source: Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center Equity Digest (https://greatlakesequity.org/resource/fundamentals-educational-equity)
PHASD Continuous Improvement Plan Equity Goal (MiCIP):
The district will continue to strengthen and nurture a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and equitable school community that embraces the diversity of all students and staff through equity-centered actions to remove barriers, and biases, by aligning district procedures, policies, practices, and resources to ensure equity throughout the organization.
PHASD Equity Audit
As part of our ongoing work with diversity, equity and inclusion, Port Huron Schools with Ajusted School Equity Solutions performed an audit focused on equity. This assessment is a research-based solution helping us better understand, recognize and solve diversity, equity and inclusion concerns.
Both our Board of Education and the Port Huron Schools team are using these results and others to chart a course forward, ensuring that every student and staff member feels safe and welcome within our educational environment. This endeavor involves complex work and difficult conversations, but our dedication to it remains steadfast. We place great value on transparency, and you can access all of the complete reports, recommendations, and results from Ajusted School Equity Solutions here:
As we continue to strategize for the future as a district, we are committed to keeping our school community informed about our progress. Your participation in supporting the well-being of ALL students and staff is greatly appreciated. Questions can be sent to superintendent@phasd.us
