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Public commenters urge 'Safe Schools' resolution and raise concerns about DEI title change and equity data
Summary
Community speakers at the Jan. 28 Coatesville Area School Board meeting urged adoption of a Safe Schools resolution and raised concerns about a DEI title change and equity disparities recorded in the district’s reports.
Several community members spoke during public comments at the Jan. 28 Coatesville Area School Board meeting, urging the district to adopt a Safe Schools resolution and expressing concern about the district’s change to a diversity-equity‑inclusion (DEI) staff title.
Dr. Judy Correll, speaking on behalf of Dragonflies Unite Indivisible, urged the board to adopt a Safe Schools resolution and presented a model resolution from the NEA. Correll said immigration‑enforcement activity near schools has created fear among immigrant families, leading parents to avoid dropping children at school and students to experience anxiety that affects learning. She told the board the resolution would prohibit collection of immigration information by school staff and establish clear protocols for handling any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests; she said the resolution would not interfere with compliance with signed judicial warrants.
Laurie Shannon Bailey addressed the board about a staffing title change. Bailey said the district’s DEI position is now listed as “director of student climate and belonging” and asked whether the change was connected to recent state executive orders concerning DEI. She cited equity figures from the district’s equity report — as she read them aloud during public comment — describing racial disparities in suspensions and expulsions and arguing for the continued importance of a dedicated DEI director or equivalent role with specialized training in restorative practices and trauma‑informed care.
Other public commenters offered brief remarks thanking staff, praising student achievements, and supporting new programs. The board took no immediate formal vote on a Safe Schools resolution during the meeting; the comments were recorded for board consideration and public record.
Speakers who addressed the board during public comment included Dr. Judy Correll (Dragonflies Unite Indivisible) and Laurie Shannon Bailey (community member and parent). Both speakers identified specific proposals and data and asked the board to consider actions to protect students and maintain commitment to equity and belonging.
