During a special meeting, the Idaho State Board of Education approved the draft of a policy defining diversity, equity and inclusion. The policy is meant to set standards for freedom of expression within public four-year institutions and is “in response to unfounded allegations of systematic indoctrination.”
The ISBE’s proposed policy considers “concerns from legislators that social justice and diversity programs were negatively impacting the quality of education,” particularly around HB 377. Supporters of the house bill were concerned about inequalities perpetuated by certain teachings with claims that Critical Race Theory, allegedly taught in schools, makes white students feel responsible for historical racism. The bill was met with opposition, but ultimately passed.
The ISBE’s policy defines these terms in order to better accurately discuss their importance.
Debbie Critchfield, chair of ISBE’s Instruction, Research and Student Affairs committee, said the board visited with students and faculty, as they want people of all ideologies to have a voice on Idaho campuses. She believes defining the vocabulary can help navigate conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion.
“The issues surrounding and related to these terms are certainly not new,” Critchfield said. “They have taken on a different tone and it has been a topic of concern”
While these ideas have been around for a while, recently discussions surrounding them have become more prominent.
“This became a more focused and deliberate conversation in our legislature,” Critchfield said. “But (ISBE) has been consistent on the fact that we do not support any indoctrination at any level.”
Under the policy draft, diversity is defined as accounting for differences in human characteristics. Education equity assures that members of a community have equitable opportunities to access what is needed to succeed. Inclusion is the fostering of an environment in which all individuals are recognized and valued. More detailed definitions are in the policy draft.
“We want to make sure that all voices and viewpoints are heard and respected on our campuses,” board President Kurt Liebich said. “This draft policy adopts uniform definitions of key terms that will be utilized at all institutions, creating more accountability across our higher education system.”
If the the policy is approved, institutions will be required to maintain policies to address issues of oppression, discrimination and protecting individual rights. A final version of the policy will be voted on in ISBE’s August meeting.
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq