Community leaders told the Suffolk School Board May 8 that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would have let members of the Upsilon Psi Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma provide tutoring and classroom support at Booker T. Washington Elementary was not signed by the district, and that staff cited "DEI" (diversity, equity and inclusion) as the reason. The chapter’s president, Barry Dowdy, said his group had provided a three-page MOU, began regular volunteer activity and then was informed the district would not sign the agreement.

"We fell in love with the students, faculty and staff," Barry Dowdy said, asking the board to restore the partnership. He said the chapter suspended its programming at the school after being told the MOU would not be signed and that he had not been given further clarification. "To lose a free, consistent mentorship program that provides academic powerhouses ... I think Suffolk Public Schools is letting its students down," Dowdy told the board.

Dr. Trevon Boone, president of the newly formed National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Suffolk, told the board the organization — representing nine historically Black fraternities and sororities — stands ready to support schools with mentorship, reading initiatives and scholarships. "We want to be an asset to you, not just in word, but in action," Dr. Boone said, and asked the district to accept volunteers from civic organizations.

Board members and staff did not take immediate formal action on the MOU question during the meeting. Superintendent Dr. Gordon and staff said they would follow up; the transcript indicates staff initially cited “DEI” concerns when explaining why the MOU would not be signed, and speakers said they had not received a full explanation. Public commenters also urged a forensic audit of purchasing cards and questioned some district expenditures, saying an audit would help restore trust.

The account by Phi Beta Sigma’s chapter president prompted several board members and commentators to emphasize the value of volunteers and community partnerships, while asking staff to clarify the district’s legal or policy basis for refusing to enter the agreement. The board did not vote on the MOU at the May 8 meeting; community leaders said they would seek a resolution before the new school year.