Miami-Dade schools may change diversity committee's name
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools this week is discussing a proposal to change the name of a district committee that works toward eliminating disparities and educational barriers among students.
Why it matters: The committee's mission would remain the same, but the name change proposal is the latest move by officials to comply with state law that has, in recent years, moved to eliminate diversity and inclusion efforts, which support underrepresented students and faculty members.
State of play: The school board on Wednesday will discuss changing the name of the Diversity, Equity and Excellence Advisory Committee to the "Educational Opportunity and Access Advisory Committee."
- The proposal says the name "better reflects the committee's purpose and responsibilities" and aligns with Florida law.
Between the lines: Wednesday's discussion will be the first reading, meaning the issue can be amended or changed.
Flashback: The committee was formed in 2001 following a court decision that deemed the district reached unitary status, meaning it had eliminated school segregation.
- But experts at the time determined disparities still remained between students in certain academic areas.
Today, the group provides reports to district officials to recommend changes or improvements to further ensure equity among students.
What they're saying: "The name change is significant in that it demonstrates that we're intentionally [showing] all subgroups that we see you," Jude Bruno, the committee's vice president and Florida PTA president-elect, told Axios.
- "We're still able to do our work. The name is changing to comply with state law," he said.
School board members did not discuss the change during the group's workshop last week, but district officials on Monday told Axios the name change is to adhere to state statute.
- The proposal suggests the name change and language is meant to "parallel those of the Florida Department of Education's Office of Equal Educational Opportunity."
What's next: The item is expected to come before the board again for a final vote in September.