Diversity, Equity and

Inclusion Committee

A dedicated team of nearly 40 students, faculty, administrators, and school committee representatives developed the following equity statement encompassing our vision and mission of building a safe and inclusive school community. We are committed to this as an ongoing process. This site will be updated regularly as we continue to listen, learn, act, reflect and respond to societal needs.

Equity Statement

Vision (Hopes and dreams for the future)

Franklin Public Schools is committed, through its educational mission, to building an anti-biased and socially-just school system. Members of our school community commit to the process of listening, learning, acting, and reflecting in order to

  • affirm the diversity among community members;

  • promote equity and accountability by providing resources and opportunities and reducing barriers to success;

  • foster a safe and inclusive school environment so that each student and faculty/staff member truly belongs and is empowered to participate in decision-making.

As a system and as individuals, we are responsible for proactively taking steps to prevent bias; similarly we are responsible for illuminating and addressing bias and discrimination when incidents occur. As a result, each student in Franklin Public Schools will have equitable opportunities to achieve Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/portrait_of_a_graduate_.pdf



Definitions

Diversity is a reflection of the uniqueness of an individual’s identity, thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and values, and the fluidity through which each may evolve. Some examples include, but are not limited to, a person’s race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religious beliefs, culture, national origin, disability and cognitive styles.


Equity involves each individual being able to attain the attributes of Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.


Inclusion is consistently ensuring that individuals belong in the school community by authentically seeking out, valuing, and respecting their input particularly regarding decisions that affect theirs and others’ lives.




Mission (Actions to get there)

We will accomplish our goals through a process of Listening, Learning, Acting, and Reflecting. Some recent highlights include...

2017-2020

Established District-Wide Core Values including “Safe and Inclusive School Community”; Reinforcement/development of School-based Core Values


Developed district-wide Response to Incidents of Hate and Bias based on Teaching Tolerance (now Learning for Justice)


Initiation, implementation, and expansion of A World Of Difference Peer Leader program at Franklin's middle schools and Franklin High School


Administrative professional development on cultural proficiency with Dr. Kalise Wornum


Building-based professional development to listen to the experiences of students and reflect/modify practices


Establishment of student clubs at middle and high schools


School Committee review for inclusive language during regular policy review and contracts (e.g. gender neutral language; development of policy JBB Educational Equity Policy JBB, Educational Opportunities Policies JFABE and JFABF for Military Children and Homeless/Foster Care, policy JQA Financial Assistance)


Community-wide development of Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate



2020-2021

School Committee adoption of Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate


School Committee adoption of MASC Anti-racism Resolution


Establishment of District-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; Initial Action Steps related to D, E, I including:

  • Professional development for staff on interrupting and addressing microaggressions

  • Selected Civics projects in grade 8 are aligned to D, E, I efforts

  • Inclusion of more diverse characters and topics in children’s literature and texts across all schools

  • Elementary and Secondary Juneteenth lessons developed by social studies committee and disseminated to district faculty

  • Review of FHS Program of Studies with a D,E, I lens - adjusted several course descriptions and committed to run “Race in American Society” in the 2021-2022 school year

  • Adjusted disciplinary practices to incorporate a Restorative Justice framework

  • Incorporated language in personnel postings to recruit applicants who share beliefs and values consistent with the District’s Equity Statement. Piloted an essay question for professional positions asking how candidates would contribute to an anti-biased approach to their role so that each member feels valued and included. Will be incorporated in future professional postings.


School District participation in the establishment of the Franklin Freedom Team


School Committee participation on Franklin’s Racial and Social Justice Taskforce


2021-2022

Continue the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

  • Incorporate measurable goals in the District Improvement Plan 2021-2022

    • SEL

    • Curriculum

    • Instruction

    • Communication

  • Share Equity Statement and vision with stakeholders

    • Opening Day remarks August 2021


Conduct Equity Audit

  • Examine quantitative and qualitative data

  • Present findings to School Committee

  • Develop strategic action plan based on Equity Audit recommendations

  • Continue to implement action steps to illuminate and address bias


2022-2023 (In Progress)

  • Hired a District-wide Director of D.E.I.

  • Established the strategic goal to " Affirm Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for All Students" into the 2022 - 2023 District Improvement Plan

  • Created a D.E.I. Plan for the 2022-2023 school year focused on...

    • Developing an Equity Action Plan to meet the needs of all learners

    • Strengthening level-based supports for students, staff, and leaders

    • Engaging Families and nurturing community partnerships in DEI Efforts

  • Presented findings from the Equity Audit to School Committee October 2022