Once the GHAPS Curriculum Director Mary Jane Evink identified potential members of the DEIB Committee, she sent them an invitation to attend the first meeting. Both the current Superintendent Scott Grimes and the former Superintendent Andrew Ingall were aware and in support of the creation of the DEIB Committee. The following email details the goals of the committee which include working on planning professional development, hosting book studies, creating a news letter, enhancing the curriculum with DEIB and engaging parents. In addition, the email explains that “a steering committee of 4-5 members will create a larger vision for the district.”
Before reading the email, I would like to define the phrase “Personal Hygiene”, as this is a common term used by the DEIB Committee. When the DEIB Committee refers to personal hygiene, they are saying that they intend to practice talking about race, gender and sensitive topics using the Courageous Conversations philosophy for talking about race a little bit every day. Just like you spend a little bit of time every day on “personal hygiene” activities such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and showering.