School board approves removal of diversity-related policy language to comply with state law; one member objects

The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools governance board voted to approve policy changes that remove language allowing use of demographic characteristics in personnel and contracting decisions after recent state legislation. Board members and staff said the changes are required by state law. The action followed presentation by Dr. David Severe, who told the board that public chapter 495 and public chapter 458, which went into effect this year, “eliminate the opportunity to use various demographic characteristics in awarding jobs” and specifically remove policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion from board policy. He said the changes simply align district policy with the new state requirements. The vote came after several board members expressed disappointment that the board had to make the change because of the state law. “As the author of the education equity policy, I find this particular directive the opposite of what should be intended for our school system and our society as a whole,” Board member Tyler said. “I cannot, despite the requirement to remove this, I cannot vote to do that.” Other board members acknowledged Tyler’s leadership in drafting the district’s prior equity policy and repeatedly stated they were voting only to comply with state law. The motion to approve the package was moved and seconded and was approved in the governance meeting. Board members and staff emphasized the vote was to meet a legal requirement and not an endorsement of the underlying change in state law. Dr. Severe briefed the board on the specific policy sections affected and said the district was implementing the changes to remain in compliance. The board took no additional policy action to replace or reframe the removed provisions at this meeting; members who opposed the change said they will continue to pursue equity objectives within the limits of state law.