Wyoming — In response to a recent federal mandate, Superintendent Craig Hoekstra sent a letter to staff, families and the community last week about diversity, equity and inclusion and to clarify what it means in the district.
The mandate, temporarily delayed until at least April 24, states that districts receiving federal funding would need to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion practices in order to remain eligible for that support. The memo from the U.S. Department of Education, dated April 3, ordered districts to certify that they are following federal civil rights laws and ending DEI practices.
“National developments continue to unfold that could affect school districts across the country, including ours,” Hoekstra said in the letter. “Legal proceedings are currently underway, and while the outcome remains uncertain, we are monitoring the situation closely and will keep our community informed.”
‘It is difficult to understand how anyone could view embracing diversity, promoting fairness and justice, and including every human being as negative. The very foundation of who we are as a district is rooted in these values.’
— Superintendent Craig Hoekstra
Speaking with SNN, Hoekstra said he was compelled to write and share the letter to raise awareness about how the mandate could impact Wyoming Public Schools, a diverse district where students represent many backgrounds, races and countries.
“More importantly, I wanted to reaffirm that regardless of the circumstances, I, along with our incredible staff, will continue to show up in every way possible for our kids and our community,” he said.
Hoekstra said he wanted to clarify what DEI is and push back on threats against it.
“When DEI is understood for what it truly represents, not how it has been distorted by certain narratives, it becomes clear just how disappointing it is to see it under attack,” he said. “It is difficult to understand how anyone could view embracing diversity, promoting fairness and justice, and including every human being as negative. The very foundation of who we are as a district is rooted in these values.
“It is more than disappointing; it is heartbreaking to know that there are people who harbor such hate in their hearts and actions.”
The superintendent said his letter and remarks are not about politics, but “about continuing to support our kids and staff in the way they deserve.” He said it is his responsibility to address the issue so “the exceptional WPS staff can focus on educating the amazing kids we are fortunate to serve.”
He added, “Being an educator is complex and multifaceted. Hurtful attacks and distractions must stop so that our energy can be fully focused on what matters most: educating children. We cannot afford to waste time on efforts that seek to dismantle the hard work and commitment of our staff, who continue to show up each day to care for, support and walk alongside our students and families.”
In the letter to the community, Hoekstra stated that if “future decisions are required in response to national mandates, they will be made thoughtfully, in partnership with the board of education, and “grounded in the values that define our district.”
Other education leaders, including State Superintendent Michael Rice, have also spoken out in support of DEI programs.
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