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Linn‑Mar board votes 5‑2 to recommend disbanding DEI committee 'until further notice'
Summary
After public pleas to retain it, the Linn‑Mar Community School District board voted 5‑2 to recommend disbanding the district Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee pending federal guidance, following legal concerns raised about a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter.
President Lyle Lancaster presided over a contentious meeting in which the Linn‑Mar Community School District Board of Directors voted 5‑2 to recommend disbanding the district's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee "until further notice." The motion was made by Barry (last name not specified) and seconded by Justin (last name not specified); the board announced the motion carried 5‑2.
The votes followed public comments urging the board to retain the committee and legal staff advice pointing to recent federal guidance. In public comment, Gretchen Lawyer, a community member and Marion Alliance for Racial Equity member, told the board the committee helps ensure the district meets federal requirements including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Civil Rights Act and asked the board to "vote down the motion to…
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