Critical to the diversity report presented to the Arlington School Board is what the board deems to be the ideal state of diversity and equity. I applaud the author for raising that issue. The fact that it had to be raised at all, however, sheds light on why these ideals continue to elude APS. The conduct of business is either equitable or it is not.
I am puzzled by how the ideal state could be anything other than the equitable and fair conduct of business. Similarly, at one time 22204 was the most diverse zip code in the country. The diversity of the county is a function of its demographics. Quite frankly, I find the concern with the “level” of diversity not only nonsensical but nonsense. It is what it is. It does not matter whether a school is predominantly majority or minority. What matters is all who attend are an integral part of the school fabric. You cannot repeatedly laud diversity as a strength while simultaneously being concerned with its level.
A speaker before the School Board on this matter wisely pointed out that none of this really matters if we have not learned the most basic tenet of relationships: respecting one another. Respect means appreciating the potential a student has to change the world in small and not-so-small ways even though they are on free and reduced lunch. It means acknowledging a parent can have much of value to say even if they split a few verbs. Giving priority to neighborhood cohesiveness over transportation costs is a sign of respect. Consulting with a historically black community prior to making a decision to change the name of its school is another manifestation of respect … or lack thereof.
Nothing speaks more clearly than the debate as to whether value setting concerning diversity is the board’s job. Sadly, this leads me to two conclusions: the board does not have a clue as to what diversity means (much less its value) and is hence ill-equipped to lead the quest for equity in Arlington’s schools.
Jacqueline Coachman
Arlington