Equity: Embedded at our Core

equity:

Embedded at our core

The MSD of Lawrence Township is committed to dismantling inequity for improved outcomes for ALL students. The on-going focus is to ensure that policies and practices eliminate racial disparities in the school community and in student achievement.

In 2015, the LT Board of Education formalized

and passed the district’s position regarding human dignity and equity in two board policies to ensure students, families, and employees are considered and given equitable opportunities that promote academic, social, and emotional growth and stability, free from discrimination and prejudice. The policies underscored the importance of “sensitivity to the backgrounds, feelings, and concerns of students and community members.”

LT Schools practices continual, conscious, and deliberate examination of the institutional beliefs, behaviors, policies, programs, practices, systems, and structures in our school corporation to identify and eliminate those that may perpetuate racial and ethnic disparities in achievement in order to counteract the impact of contemporary and historical institutionalized racism and discrimination in student achievement.

An external Equity Audit to review and update equity policies in practice and cultural competence was conducted throughout the 2020-21 school year by Dr. Vernita Mayfield, president of Leadervation Learning. The audit appraised LT Schools policies, practices, and outcomes related to racial equity. The audit report was published in April 2021.

As is common practice in LT Schools, community stakeholders representing the diversity, varied expertise, and viewpoints were gathered and tasked with openly discussing the sensitive topics addressed in the findings. Discussion norms encouraged participants to “speak their truth, just do it kindly.” Group-think recommendations will be made to the LT Board of Education and Administration. In LT Schools, every voice is important; every viewpoint is respected.