JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies remain a hot topic, especially following President Donald Trump’s executive order.
This discussion is now reaching Duval County Schools, where the school board began deliberations on potential changes to its equity policy on Wednesday.
Parents are expressing concerns about the implications of these changes.
Cami Sams, executive director for policy and compliance, shared that it is currently an all-or-nothing approach to the changes. The board could modify this stance as discussions unfold.
Yasmina White, a parent in Duval County, shared her concern about the proposed changes.
“I can’t say I have a lot of hope right now,” she said.
Three pages of Duval County Schools’ equity policy have been completely crossed out as the school board begins to discuss these changes.
White is nervous about what the proposed changes could mean for the district.
“There are people who are boycotting businesses because they are moving away from diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are going to lose families because of this type of policy,” she said. “We may not lose families immediately, but we are going to lose them.”
News4JAX spoke with Dr. Tracy Pierce, spokesperson for Duval County Schools, about parents’ concerns that the district is jumping the gun in making these changes.
Pierce responded, “From our perspective, it’s really not jumping the gun. Right now, it’s the force of law that we need to be in compliance with.”
When asked about potential threats to federal funding at the school district level, Pierce explained, “Anytime law changes, whether it’s state law, local law, or federal law, Duval County Public Schools will take the necessary steps to comply. Our board, our constitutional officers, and our superintendent are constitutionally bound to comply with laws.”
As these discussions unfold, parents remain concerned about the potential outcomes. White warned, “I fear that if these policies do make it through, we’re going to set the example for other school districts in Florida, and they will follow suit.”
The process is still in its early stages. No decisions were made during the meeting on Wednesday, and it will likely take some time before the board votes on any policy changes.
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