You are a new school board member that was just recently elected in a highly contested election. Diversity and inclusion were hot topics of this election and without the support of community members that have been historically marginalized, your victory once seemed impossible.
You are set to vote on your first policy regarding the ban of certain books from district school library’s. The parents from the community who voted for you, are demanding that children have access to ALL books, and argue that ALL BOOKS MATTER, even those focused on race, gender and sexuality. The teachers union however says this is a litmus test issue and openly opposes it.
They argue that the books are inappropriate, support Critical Race Theory and threaten the values of the children exposed to their subject matter and contents.
The community argues that your role as a School Board Member is to represent the communities and constituencies who voted for you, but you believe that you have a duty to explore both sides.
Consider and respond to the following in the forum or chat box below.
We would love to hear your thoughts and perspectives on Inclusive School Board Leadership!
What is the opposite of being inclusive?
If a person, place or thing is not inclusive, what are they?
What is partisanship and how does School Board partisanship impact the ability of the school board to create inclusive change?
Is partisanship a sign of progress? Why or Why not?