Virginia Beach schools revise DEI strategies amid compliance updates and federal directives

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools held a workshop on April 22, 2025, to discuss compliance with federal directives and updates on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The meeting was led by Dr. Robertson, who outlined the steps taken to align the district's policies and programs with recent federal guidelines.

The workshop began with Dr. Robertson's update on meetings with key staff, including Mrs. Linetti, to ensure adherence to a resolution regarding DEI efforts. Mr. Ty Harris is currently revising the DEI website to reflect changes in the office's name and its initiatives. A significant point raised was the clarification from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) regarding what constitutes unlawful discrimination, emphasizing that the assessment of school policies depends on specific facts and circumstances rather than the terminology used.

Dr. Robertson noted that the district's equity plan and dashboard have been disabled pending a review. The future of these tools will be determined by the Policy Review Committee (PRC) and will likely include a renaming to better reflect the data they encompass. Several educational programs, including the Tide Coalition and Beach Girls Rock, were highlighted as compliant with federal directives, focusing on fostering inclusivity and increasing participation in STEM fields among girls.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing review of the district's strategic frameworks, "Compass to 2025" and the upcoming "Compass to 2030." Dr. Robertson indicated that materials related to the 2025 framework would be removed from school premises to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. Revisions to both strategic plans are set to be presented on May 13, 2025.

Additionally, Dr. Robertson discussed the review process for employment and contracting practices, reaffirming the district's commitment to adhering to federal and state legislation. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has amended the certification due dates under Title VI, with Dr. Robertson prepared to sign off on the necessary documentation by April 23 and April 29.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for comments and questions from attendees. Miss Rogers raised concerns regarding ongoing litigation involving the Department of Education and its authority over school curricula, indicating a broader context of legal challenges facing educational policies.

Overall, the workshop underscored the district's proactive measures to align with federal requirements while fostering an inclusive educational environment. The next steps include finalizing the revisions to the strategic plans and addressing any compliance issues raised during the meeting.