Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Mission of the Las Virgenes Unified School District is to ensure that all programs are dedicated toward enhancing student achievement and that each school is a humanistic organization, valuing students emotionally and academically, providing the highest quality education possible in a personalized environment. We aspire to enable each student to realize maximum potential as a responsible citizen who will enhance the community and society.
Our Values
The Las Virgenes Unified School District is dedicated to being a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We are committed to promoting respectful conduct, equitable service, and celebrating diversity in our community for all students, families, and staff members.
Our Why
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work we are committed to doing in LVUSD make safe spaces for all our students where they feel they belong and can thrive. As a result, this creates leaders, change makers, and global citizens in our interconnected world.
Our Actions
We recognize that DEI work is fluid and never done. Our vision and mission require continual learning, growth, and vigilance to sustain and ensure success for all students. Therefore, we must continually review policies and practices as we evolve in this vital work.
Use the icons below to learn more about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards at each grade level.
Questions and Answers
Why did the LVUSD Board of Education adopt Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards?
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards were adopted as a roadmap for addressing the four domains of Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action. The DEI Standards and domains provide a common language and organizational structure that educators and administrators can use to guide curriculum development. These standards help to foster conversations and lessons at age-appropriate levels while creating civil and inclusive school communities. With these standards and our RULER framework, we continue cultivating empathy, and respect for others, while challenging prejudice and fostering student learning.
Additionally, every school district in California is evaluated by its support of students to achieve equity and inclusion, as exhibited on The California School Dashboard.
How does LVUSD continuously support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning among staff?
Professional development is offered to all staff to support our actions and efforts related to DEI. LVUSD provides a wide array of professional development learning that focuses on inclusive teaching practices, cultural understanding, culturally responsive teaching, supporting LGBTQIA+ students, and many more topics. LVUSD also offers numerous professional development courses targeted at social-emotional programming through our RULER framework.
Additionally, LVUSD is committed to looking at policies and practices to support at-risk students for better student outcomes. This focus helps to remove barriers that impact the academic and social-emotional success of students who may face challenges based on gender, language, identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, and sexual orientation.
What does DEI look like in the classroom?
Classroom environments are more than where knowledge is gained. Learning environments are supportive, culturally responsive, and focused on building relationships and community. The goal is that each classroom environment strengthens student engagement, student-to-student collaboration, and respect while fostering a classroom culture that values both individuals and inclusion.
What if my student excels, feels supported, and has had a great experience within LVUSD? How will DEI efforts benefit them?
Research has shown that DEI benefits everyone. These actions and initiatives help all students by creating a more inclusive school environment that promotes understanding, respect, and learning together. An equitable environment is about removing obstacles that may impact student success and ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging and support.
Is LVUSD teaching politics through DEI Standards?
No. LVUSD is committed to teaching students about understanding and respecting others.
Who can I contact for more information on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards?
Please contact our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, Courtney Peoples, at cpeoples@lvusd.org for specific DEI questions and suggestions.