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Speakers urge Palm Beach school board to reinstate DEI policies; callers cite federal funding threats and recent court rulings
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Summary
Several public speakers told the board to restore diversity, equity and inclusion policies removed last month, arguing the changes harm vulnerable students and pointing to recent court decisions affecting federal guidance.
Multiple public speakers urged the Palm Beach County School Board to reinstate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that the board rescinded last month.
Jackie Nearing, a licensed clinical social worker and PTA representative, told the board that restrictions on DEI programs have removed resources that supported students from diverse backgrounds and urged the district to explore avenues to reintroduce protective policies through inclusive curriculum and professional development.
Sarah Needleman, a social worker who identified herself as a transgender woman, described the public‑health consequences she sees when students lack support and asked the board to reaffirm commitment to students’ safety and inclusion, warning that removing supports can increase risks for substance abuse and suicide for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Max Fennig, founder and executive director of Prism, urged the board to reinstate DEI policies removed in last month’s meeting and cited recent federal court decisions. Fennig said three federal judges had enjoined guidance and a subsequent ruling vacated a Department of Education “Dear Colleague” letter; he argued that the court actions remove the legal justification for rescinding local policies and asked the board to return to the prior rules.
Board members heard the comments during the public comment period; no board action to reinstate policies occurred at this meeting. Members did not engage in debate on the floor during the public comment statements, though speakers asked the board to explore legal avenues and public reaffirmation of DEI commitments.
