Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at D63

  • EDIEast Maine District 63 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Belief Statement
    Approved by the District 63 Board of Education on January 12, 2023

    • We recognize, embrace, and defend the many identities, abilities, and voices that make up our District 63 community and view them as assets.
    • We commit to fostering equitable systems, inclusive spaces, and supportive learning environments in which all students, families, and staff experience a true sense of belonging.

    At D63 . . .

    • Equity means: providing the resources each individual needs to succeed - which differs from person to person - as opposed to providing the same to all (which is equality).
    • Diversity means: a range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.
    • Inclusion means: creating and sustaining systems that eliminate discrimination and intolerance, provide access to opportunities, and embrace all people and abilities.

      To translate our EDI Belief Statement, choose the blue translation button to the right (under the magnifying glass button). / Para traducir nuestra Declaración de Equidad, Diversidad e Inclusión, elija el botón de traducción azul a la derecha (debajo del botón de la lupa). 

    Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
    District 63 is committed to improving educational outcomes by ensuring equitable treatment for all students, and by addressing and eliminating practices, policies, and institutional barriers - including institutional racism, gender bias/homophobia, and sexism - that perpetuate opportunity and achievement gaps and lead to any student feeling unsafe in our buildings.

    To achieve this goal, it’s essential that D63 staff and families collaborate and work in parallel to support students’ needs academically and socio-emotionally. Ultimately, our work is centered on ensuring that all D63 children have access to a high-quality curriculum that fosters critical thinking, resourcefulness, and curiosity - and provides opportunities to pursue their passion and follow their unique pathways to success. 

    Equity & Diversity Initiative
    D63 is committed to addressing discrimination and hate of all kinds through an intersectional lens by offering learning opportunities that meet people wherever they are on their journey. Through this initiative, we will ensure that D63 offers an equitable and inclusive school community that honors students’ and their loved ones' multiple and intersecting identities while preparing our young people to be more culturally competent in navigating a complex world.

    During the 2021-2022 school year, the District kicked off this comprehensive Equity & Diversity Initiative, guided by anti-oppression educator and consultant Corrie Wallace. Since that time, building leaders, staff members, parents, guardians, and community members have participated in a range of activities.

    Explore the links on the left to learn more about D63's Equity & Diversity Initiative, District policies addressing this issue, and resources you can use to start your own journey.