Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
School districts across the state are committing to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives (DEI) to foster positive educational experiences for all students and eliminate barriers that limit a student’s chance to succeed. DEI policies are put in to place to ensure all students have equal educational opportunities.
NYSSBA’s member-driven focus on diversity, equity and inclusion aligns with our mission, vision and core beliefs. It informs our work – from our Board of Directors and staff to the products and services we offer – as we strive to support our members and ensure the success of all students.
New York State Education Department - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and Policy Statement
DEI - Related Resources
Below are NYSSBA-produced resources related to DEI that support success for all students.
Your board policy can also help you address equity initiatives in your district. As part of its ongoing commitment to equity, NYSSBA has created the following sample policy materials on Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education for school districts, available at no charge:
For greater success in effecting change and support the district’s commitment to addressing equity, NYSSBA also offers the following polices:
- 0000, Mission State and Vision
- 4000, Student Learning and Instructional Guidelines
- 4511, Textbook Selection and Adoption
- 4513, Library Materials Selection
- 9240, Recruiting and Hiring
- 9700, Professional Learning and Staff Development
For more information, contact our
NYSSBA Policy Services Team at 800.342.3360 or via email at
policy@nyssba.org.
NYSSBA is committed to including diversity, equity and inclusion themes throughout its in person and online trainings. Recent DEI-focused events include:
We can also help your board navigate these issues as part of a
Custom board retreat.
For more information, contact our Leadership Development team at 800.342.3360 or via email at
darci.dercole@nyssba.org.
For more information, contact our Leadership Development team at 800.342.3360 or via email at
darci.dercole@nyssba.org.
NYSSBA’s Governmental Relations team provides resources and tools to support your school board’s DEI advocacy efforts:
As a board member, you want to be fully conversant in the historical injustices and inequalities that have shaped our society and to recognize and eliminate the institutional barriers, including racism and biases, that contribute to the pervasive, disparate educational outcomes within our schools. Equity and inclusive education aims to understand, identify, address, and eliminate the biases, barriers, and disparities that limit a student’s chance to graduate high school prepared for college, for a career, and for life. NYSSBA has the following resources available to help your professional and personal growth in this area:
Board of Directors Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Committee Charge
- The Committee shall be comprised of one representative from each NYSSBA area, one representative from the Conference of Big 5 School Districts, one representative from the NYS Caucus of Black School Board Members and select stakeholders.
- The committee will provide advice and counsel to NYSSBA’s Directors and NYSSBA’s staff related to the types of supports and services the Association can and should provide to its members in the area of DEI that will be relevant, meaningful, and of substance.
- The Committee will position itself to provide its own suggestions for the best DEI programs and services that the Association can offer its member boards as well as provide its reaction to programs and services which the Association is considering to propose.
View Committee
