Hinsdale D-86 Officials Push Equity Work

DARIEN, IL — Two members of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board last week promoted the ideas of diversity, equity and inclusion, often referred to as DEI.

Members Jeff Waters and Peggy James have criticized how the district has handled its equity work, particularly controversies over the hiring of anti-racism consultants.

But they have expressed support before for the district's equity mission. Last Thursday, they indicated they wanted the word spread about their position.

"Do not be distracted by the issue of masking, and please don't think this board is not committed to the importance of DE and I work," Waters said. "I encourage you to watch prior board meetings. Don't only focus on the minutes. Trust me, please watch prior board meetings to understand what I just said."

He said his issue was with the district's leadership, not the idea of equity.

James, who ran as a team with Waters in last April's election, also expressed support for the mission.

"The community doesn't seem to be aware of the fact that board members have been commenting on DEI issues and concerns for a while now," James said. "It's very clear that no one wants children to feel unsafe or unwelcome in the school. Nobody. That said, this board member would expect that any initiative that is brought forward would be inclusive to all students and all areas impacting DEI — race, economic, religious, disability, sexual orientation, etc."

James also said the district must do more to communicate with the public about the work of its Culture and Equity Leadership Team.

She requested the district add the views of board members on equity in its "Board briefs," which come out after meetings. The district did not do so after last week's session.

In District 86 and other districts, some residents have expressed suspicion about equity work in general, suggesting it paves the way for Marxism and critical race theory in schools. The statements from James and Waters indicate they do not agree with such views.

James and Waters did not define at the meeting exactly how they would like the district to advance its equity mission.