The GHAPS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee states that its mission is to help kids feel like they belong, but there have been many concerns raised by Restore Ottawa questioning the methodology of the DEIB Committee. The main issue is that the DEIB Committee violates board policy because the committee is planning professional development, yet the school board is responsible for professional development, and the school board does not oversee the DEIB Committee. In addition to this issue, there are numerous inconsistencies surrounding the DEIB Committee.
First of all, the Superintendent Scott Grimes insists the DEIB Committee was created over 20 years ago. However, emails obtained via FOIA indicate that the first meeting took place August 5, 2021 from 12:30-3:30 in the Board Room at the ESC. I’m not sure why this makes much difference except for the fact that it feels like GHAPS leadership is trying to hide something.
Secondly, the E in DEIB refers to Equity but was changed to Equality in a video prepared for public consumption. In all FOIA emails and the slide presentation the E refers to Equity. The obvious question here is was the E changed to Equality in the video made for public consumption to improve the image of the DEIB Committee? If the committee is doing work that benefits GHAPS, why is this important?
Third, FOIA emails reveal the DEIB Committee was hand-picked by Mary Jane Evink. In an email featured in the video linked below, Mary Jane Evink states she “is unsure about [inviting] some elementary staff who think differently” and she does not want “the Ben-Rodgers type” serving on her committee. The DEIB Committee was therefore primarily filled with representatives that believe in left-wing progressive political policies.
Fourth, the DEIB Committee meetings are closed to the public. They send newsletters promoting books clubs that read Kendi and Ta-Nehisi Coates; newsletters linking videos discussing Critical Race Theory. The members who are also employed by the school are compensated for their time meeting with the committee, and the DEIB Committee has been planning professional development for teachers.
Finally, most shocking of all, again with the exception of Barb Pietrangelo, the school board members seem to have no idea how the committee was created, who oversees the DEIB Committee, or what they are actually doing.
This short video is confusing because the majority of the members of the GHAPS school board see the DEIB Committee in different lights.
Carl Treutler – President – Doesn’t seem to understand who created the DEIB Committee or their role, but seems to support its work.
Christine Baker – Vice-President – Seems to support the work of the DEIB Committee and seems to believe the Pledge for Racial Equity signed by former board president John Siemion
and Nicol Stack in August 10, 2020 justifies the DEIB Committee.
Seth Holt – Treasurer – Silent on DEIB Committee
Nicol Stack – Secretary – Seems to support the work of the DEIB Committee and seems to understand that it is under the complete control of Mary Jane.
Chris Streng – Trustee - Silent on DEIB Committee
Marc Eickholt – Trustee – Member of the DEIB Committee who seems to support its efforts.
Barb Pietrangelo – Trustee – Questions the role of the DEIB Committee and whether or not the DEIB Committee is following board policy.
The DEIB Committee is yet another example of GHAPS employees violating board policy.
Po3110 Conflict of Interest - No staff member, officer, or agent shall use his/her position to benefit either himself/herself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the School District.
Po3231 Outside Activities of Staff - It is the policy of the Board of Education that professional staff members avoid situations in which their personal interests, activities, and associations may conflict with the interests of the District. If such situations occur, the Superintendent shall evaluate the impact of such activity or association upon the professional staff member’s responsibilities and take appropriate action as necessary.
The DEIB Committee, GHAPS leadership, and board members should be held accountable for their policy violations with respect to the DEIB Committee. Perhaps there were some members that didn’t understand what they were wrapped-up with, but those who willfully worked to push personal beliefs onto other GHAPS employees should be held accountable.
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