University City superintendent reaffirms district equity policy, stresses students' right to learn
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Sharonda Hartman told the University City Board of Education the district remains committed to educational equity and said students have a right to access public education regardless of their parents' immigration status; she cited board policy ACID adopted Jan. 21, 2021.
Doctor Sharonda Hartman, superintendent of schools, told the University City Board of Education the district is committed to ensuring educational equity for every student.
"In our school district, we are committed to the success of every student in each of our schools," Hartman said, describing equity as an effort to remove barriers tied to "social emotional status, disability, race, ethnicity, [sexual] orientation, and gender." She said the district seeks to allocate resources and supports so students can "access and participate and make progress in a high quality learning experience."
Hartman referenced board policy ACID, which the board approved on Jan. 21, 2021, as the district’s guiding policy for those efforts. She also said she has a "legal and moral obligation to protect our students' rights within our buildings" and that students have a long-standing right to access public education regardless of their parents' immigration status.
The superintendent framed the statements as the district’s ongoing commitment rather than a new directive or specific administrative action. No follow-up motion or formal board action tied to the remarks was recorded during the meeting.
Board members did not debate or vote on new policy during this announcement; Hartman's remarks closed with an affirmation of schools as places where students should be able to learn without fear.
