Equity policy approved in split vote

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County school board members approved changes to the district’s equity policy in a marathon nine-hour meeting on May 23.

e meeting started with a protest and board member Elizabeth Hanson resigning over concerns with the board’s direction.

e equity policy changes, mostly drafted by board president Mike Peterson and board member Christy Williams, passed by a 4-2 vote with Susan Meek and David Ray dissenting.

e updated policy includes an expanded de nition of diversity that includes identity, cognitive and instrumental diversities, as well as language outlining the purposes of the policy.

Expanding the de nition of diversity was the most contentious change to the equity policy with Meek and Ray arguing that it dilutes the original intent of the policy to address racism and bigotry in the district.

“Where do you stop,” Ray asked. “Let’s talk about social diversity, physical diversity, athletic diversity. I mean we could go on and on, but we’re losing sight of the reason for this policy. e reason for this policy is that we are in a system that