New York State PTA is committed to supporting EVERY child with ONE voice, no matter their race, ethnicity, zip code, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status or abilities. NYS PTA recognizes that advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral part of PTA’s work and its vision of making every child’s potential a reality.
In response to today’s press release from the US Department of Education announcing their launch of their new “End DEI Portal”, NYS PTA President Patricia Frazier offered, “NYS PTA will remain committed to supporting EVERY child, with ONE voice. That includes supporting all of our students with disabilities, our immigrant, migrant and English Language Learning students, our students living in poverty, our students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and our LGBTQIA+ students. NYS PTA’s mission has never been more important than it is today – to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”
“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in education means many different things – like ensuring a student with an individualized education plan is adequately supported, or that schools meet the requirements under the federal American with Disabilities Act and have a ramp for children in wheelchairs. It means that a child living in poverty that qualifies for free or reduced priced lunch is served an equal lunch to that of another child. Or that schools follow least restrictive environment rules. Or that a school doesn’t discriminate against a Student Pride Club. Or that a school doesn’t discriminate against a student who identifies as LGBTQIA+, but rather supports their growth, space, mental health and learning. Or that schools don’t separate children into certain classrooms because of their race, ethnicity, or immigrant status. Or that schools offer a variety of pathways for students, such as arts, music, STEM, literacy, bi-literacy, civic readiness, and career and developmental occupational studies. Or that schools celebrate different cultures and ethnicities. We are happy to explain what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means to anyone who may be unaware, and have resources on our website here for those who may seek to learn more information: https://nyspta.org/home/programs/diversity-inclusion-equity/.”
