BPS Diversity & Inclusion
Braintree Public Schools
is committed to ensuring equity and access to all of our students. BPS continuously strives to eliminate bias within our district and elevate underrepresented voices.
District Level Work - Timeline
Dr. Allyson Livingstone
November 2017, BPS engaged Dr. Livingstone to address cultural proficiency and responsiveness in our schools. Dr. Livingstone presented to BPS Leadership Team and all secondary faculty on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Summer Workshop
In August of 2018, Dr. Livingstone presented a summer workshop to all BPS District leadership and administration on addressing racial disparities and creating welcoming schools. Focused on social identities, privilege and oppression, and making connections with professional practice.
SY19 Stragegic Plan
During SY19 strategic planning, cultural proficiency was identified as a focus.
BPS Data Review
In November 2018, BPS Leadership Team began a data-review process to understand performance disparities that might exist among subgroups.
BPS Student Panel
In January 2019, BPS Leadership Team met with a student panel of approximately 15 BHS students representing various subgroups within BHS to hear about their experiences in the school system and to better understand issues confronting students in minority subgroups.
Welcoming Schools Action Steps
In March 2019, Leadership Team began an initiative to create more welcoming schools with specific action steps for September 2019.
Elementary Presentation
In March 2019, Dr. Livingstone presented to all elementary faculty on issues of diversity, inclusion and equity.
Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee
In June 2020, in concert with BEA, BPS District created steering committee to lead the continued Diversity & Inclusion work for the district. The intended structure includes site-based DI committees at each school.
BPS Curriculum Efforts to Date
(Social Studies Example)
Revising the world history curriculum to make it less-Eurocentric: studying regional topics and events beyond Europe and the United States.
United States History:
examine the paradox between the Declaration of Independence and the institution of slavery.
expanding the history of, and continued struggle for, civil rights and equal rights for Black, Indigenous and Native populations, people of color, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ population.
SY21: Elective course focusing on class, race, and gender issues in the United States.
BHS Diversity & Inclusion Council
The BHS Diversity Council began in 2018 as a result of racial issues that arose predominantly through social media. Students needed a place where they could freely discuss how these social media posts affected them. These open discussions brought awareness to some in the group and we began to discuss ideas to make BHS a more welcoming school.
Who and what does the council consist of?
November 2018 - Students are recommended for the council by club advisors, athletic coaches, and teachers.
The council consists of a diverse grouping of students and had 18 members this year.
Meetings incorporate an educational activity surrounding issues of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. We debrief the activity with discussions and the sharing of experiences that students have had in and out of the school building.
Meetings & Events
December 2018 - First Diversity Council meeting with students. The council meets once per month during the school day.
January 2019 - Student Panel Presentation to BPS Administrators.
Spring 2019 - Students attended Diversity Conference @ Sutton High School
November 2019 - we created 4 sub-committees within the council.
Community outreach
Welcoming committee (school decor and activities to help people feel more welcome) ex. Wristband distribution
Presentation development
Pep rally
February 2020 - BHS held its first annual PRIDE Pep Rally. Planning was a collaborative effort with Student Council, Cultural Awareness, Diversity Council and the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
April 2020 - Diversity Conference @ Sutton High School (cancelled)