D-86 Commits To Diversity And Equity: Officials

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 has committed itself to embrace diversity and eliminate "historically predictable" racial outcomes.

Last week, a committee finalized District's 86 equity statement and presented it to the school board. In response, the board's president said officials were determined to abide by the statement's goals.

Among the goals are to recruit and retain a diverse staff that reflects the school community in terms of race, cultural background, linguistic skill, physical disabilities and sexual gender identities.

As for race, the district's faculty does not reflect students. According to the Illinois Report Card, District 86 students are 64 percent white, compared with 79 percent of teachers. Asians make up 16 percent of students, but 1 percent of teachers; Hispanics 10 percent of students, but 2 percent of teachers; and African Americans 8 percent of students, but 1 percent of teachers. Sixteen percent of teachers did not report their race.

The statement also commits the district to "cultivating transformative social and emotional skills that empower students to have critically conscious discourse on diverse political and social topics in order to become engaged, active global citizens."

After the statement was read, board President Kevin Camden said the board was committed to it.

"From my perspective, this is significant to what we do in District 86 and to the staff and students," he told the board.

He also said that to those who questioned whether the board was committed to the statement, he was confident it was. He noted three of the seven board members belong to the Culture and Equity Leadership Team, which drafted the statement.

"This is not an accident," he said. "We expect this will be adhered to, and we expect staff will adopt it."

Board member Keith Chval said the other board members would have been happy to participate, but took a step back to let others in the community to serve.

Another member, Tamakia "TJ" Edwards, said she was impressed with the students who took part.

"They came and debated some of the most challenging topics. They are bright, young leaders," she said. "I appreciate being a part of the committee."