Board informed it must adopt DEI-related policy after state model rules; samples to be circulated

District staff told the Board of Trustees on July 14 that recent action at the state level requires school districts to adopt a written policy concerning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.

"This law prohibits the use of diversity, equity, inclusion practices in Mississippi public schools," the administrator presenting the item said, adding that the law "also establishes some a complaint process." The presenter said the State Board of Education had adopted model rules in June and that local districts must adopt a policy within 90 days of the model-rules adoption; that timeline gives the district until Sept. 17 to be in compliance, the presenter said.

The administrator told the board that the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) has a sample policy the district can review and that some other districts have already adopted local policies. The presenter said staff will circulate sample policies and links to model language to board members between now and the next meeting.

A board member asked whether the board and district leadership are aware of and prepared for the deadline; the presenter responded affirmatively and reiterated the Sept. 17 compliance date. No formal motion or vote was taken on a local policy at the meeting; staff said they would provide sample policies for the board to consider at a future meeting.