Office of
Strategic Partnerships

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidance for Partners

Updated 10/9/2023

We believe partners play an important role in making schools feel more welcoming to students (Guardrail 1) and supporting antiracism work in school buildings (Guardrail 4). Partners help our schools and students flourish by highlighting and developing the strengths of our students, schools, and communities.

The District is advancing equity by cultivating prosperity and liberation for students and staff, starting with historically marginalized populations, by removing barriers, increasing access and inclusion, building trusting relationships, and creating a shared culture of social responsibility and organizational accountability.

We believe:

1. All students achieve when our system works to ameliorate academic, social, and psychological barriers, and provides access to the resources that support academic learning and student led innovation
2. The best kind of programming cultivates a sense of belonging through engaging culturally-relevant activities and instruction that embrace different ways of knowing and understanding
3. It is our collective responsibility to build a learning environment that is supportive and inclusive of the most marginalized groups within the school community
4. Engaging our parents, families, and communities in authentic interactions where their suggestions and concerns are seen and heard, is central to developing a framework of shared decision-making that amplifies their voices
5. In the distribution of funding, programs, and resources based on community need

We recommend partners:

1. Design programs based on perceptions of our students that are rooted in their potential and strengths, as opposed to stereotypes.
2. Provide regular training and support to staff on the topics including managing unconscious bias, recognizing privilege, identifying microaggressions, combatting saviorism, anti-racism etc.
3. Ensure that voices of those who are marginalized (e.g. racially minoritized , LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, etc.) are sought out and heard within your organization/program.
4. Hire historically marginalized people and ensure they are not only employed in direct-service positions, but also leadership and decision-making positions within your organization.
5. Establish and maintain a diverse board that reflects the community you serve.
6. Connect with our office to share your strategies and resources!

Resources: 

• Sign up for our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Training Series for Partners. There are two tracks: one for admin/leadership and another for school-based staff. See our 1-pager and sign up here.
• See a glossary of equity terminology here.
• Review the District’s Equity Framework here.
• Listen to the DEI Office Podcast here.