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Parkway candidates back DEI initiatives and urge transparency on library and curriculum complaints
Summary
All four candidates expressed support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and said Parkway should remain transparent about curriculum and library content; candidates noted parents may opt students out of specific lessons and urged clear communication to rebuild trust.
At the League of Women Voters Parkway candidate forum, all four candidates said they support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the district and oppose eliminating DEI positions or related programs. Several candidates described Spirit of Excellence, a longstanding district program, as an example of a local tradition they would not remove.
John Kilper said, “I’m in favor of diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives,” and described diversity as a district strength. Ali Seacote called DEI work part of Parkway’s tradition and said removing programs like Spirit of Excellence would be problematic. Mia Robinson and Jeffrey Spector also voiced support for inclusive curricula and representation in books and materials.
When asked about complaints over library materials and curricula, candidates urged transparency and parental communication. Robinson said clear notices and opt-out options can build trust: “Transparency is really important… parents always had the option for opt out.” Kilper and Spector noted Parkway allows parents to limit particular materials for an individual child and that, in past years, some books were removed to protect librarians and teachers amid state-level controversy.
Candidates said they would defer to teachers, librarians and curriculum experts on selection but would ensure processes for complaint review and parent communications are clear. No book bans or specific policy actions were proposed during the forum.
