04/04/2025
Please see below for the link to the Comprehensive Equity Audit of SKSD.
Dear Members of the South Kingstown School District Community,
I am writing today to share with you the comprehensive equity audit recently completed by West Wind Education Policy- available here. http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/lw_TP1zqEm36ulIcZ9Aesw~~/AAAAARA~/g_mGQJOaGiOCKMf1DqJYSnYJeaUW5I2zuWRVa4bfJBOXItIb0m7oPdH-40h6up_iAnJOrvi7TbuBYoGq-SWDGa5lFB_ePjZ9YwznNPChW_uFMto_GLH2SqlnHTmxBTOnfteUhNJ4NvS1e1Kfbbqf8CrgT_zNDG9jxwPnXJna-rDKQ_OsZGcv_av7dwCuzxbx
The South Kingstown School District is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment where all students thrive, regardless of race, background, or individual circumstances. This commitment directly supports our mission "...to educate and engage ALL of our students in the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure readiness and success in college and career."
For those not already aware, the purpose of our comprehensive equity audit was to:
Identify potential barriers to student success
Ensure equal access to educational resources and opportunities
Develop strategies that support the growth of all students
I want to be explicitly clear that the District’s equity audit, along with future actions that may occur in response to the findings, fully align with current federal civil rights guidelines, specifically the most recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) found in the “Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.” which was issued February 28, 2025 and “...is intended to anticipate and answer questions that may be raised in response to the Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in Light of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard issued by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)1 on February 14, 2025”.
As the OCR guidance states: "Whether a policy or program violates Title VI does not depend on the use of specific terminology such as 'diversity,' 'equity,' or 'inclusion.' Schools may not operate policies or programs under any name that treat students differently based on race, engage in racial stereotyping, or create hostile environments for students of particular races."
Additionally, based on the February 28, 2025, Guidance: Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment for All Students, by Peter F. Neronha, Attorney General, and Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, the District remains in compliance with State and Federal guidance. Specifically, as it pertains to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Rhode Island Public Schools:
“The DEI policies adopted by the Ed. Council and RIDE42 are consistent with applicable state and federal law.43 Rhode Island law requires academic standards that are “designed to instill respect for the cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity of this state, and for the contributions made by diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial groups to the life of this state” as well as “[r]eflect sensitivity to impediments to learning, which may include issues related to, but not limited to, cultural, financial, emotional, health, and social factors.”44
In the coming weeks, we will discuss the report at meetings of the South Kingstown School Committee and will also look to schedule community forums to discuss the audit's findings and recommendations.
While there is certainly difficult and important work ahead, I am confident that by working together, South Kingstown will continue to build school communities where every student will reach their full potential, learn without barriers or fear, and will graduate fully prepared to create a successful future.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. Podraza
Superintendent
