The equity policy was discussed at a South Washington County Schools workshop May 8. Photo: Meeting video
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to clarify that board member Eric Tessmer’s statement regarded an earlier board vote on a separate equity plan.
WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – The South Washington County School Board will consider an updated equality and inclusion policy at Thursday’s board meeting – a policy that has drawn criticism from one of its members.
Board member Ryan Clarke expressed concern at a workshop meeting May 8 where the revised policy was presented. Clarke questioned whether systematic racism is at work, adding that inclusion should mean that there is one race, the human race.
Board member Eric Tessmer was not present for the discussion but made the following statement on social media in 2023 when he voted against a district achievement and integration plan.
Tessmer called that plan and its goals – such as closing racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps – noble but misguided. “Although these goals are admirable, these types of plans pre-suppose that the reason for achievement gaps/discipline gaps are due to societal obstacles such as systemic racism and prejudice. I reject this belief. Until our society comes to terms with the root causes of these problems – fatherless families, broken homes, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, generational poverty caused by Big Gov’t programs, among others – these types of programs will only cause further division.”
He added: “I was the sole ‘no’ vote and will continue to vote accordingly in regards to programs such as these.” Tessmer has not said publicly how he will vote on the updated equity policy.
That policy has been significantly shortened but states the district goals include:
Creating safe spaces to engage in conversations around race, ethnicity and culture
Advancing diversity, racial equity and inclusion and publicly supporting our goals through communications
Supporting, encouraging and academically challenging each student
Ensuring each student’s learning opportunities validate and affirm their racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging
Eliminating predictable student achievement patterns linked to a student’s racial, ethnic and/or cultural backgrounds.”
James Magee, district director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, said data about the disparities in discipline rates, access to tutoring and extracurricular activities, and student achievement outcomes show structural racism is still an issue. “A policy like this ensures that we have a mandate not to sweep that under the rug,” McGee said.
Other board members pointed out that students report encountering racism on a daily basis. “We have a responsibility and duty to our community to overcome some of these things,” board member Sharon Van Leer said.
DRAFT OF UPDATED EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICY: