Trustee raises concerns after State Board moves to define 'DEI' and study Structured English Immersion

Summary

Trustee Miss Marquez reported that the State Board of Education voted to convene expert groups to narrow language around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in teaching standards and to review Structured English Immersion (SEI). She flagged board vacancies, potential legal uncertainty, and possible effects on dual-language and accessibility policies.

During the legislative/political report, Miss Marquez told trustees the State Board of Education voted to form expert working groups to establish definitions and technical alignment regarding references to diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching standards and to examine Structured English Immersion (SEI) requirements.

"They voted to convene a committee...to go through so there's 2 parts," Miss Marquez said, adding that the action would "remove any mention of diversity, equity, and inclusion" from certain teaching standards unless narrowly defined by the working group. She warned that the board currently has vacancies and that the committee’s work could proceed without full representation and could face legal challenges.

Trustees discussed potential impacts on dual-language programs and accessibility. Miss Marquez urged attention to committee appointments and to follow any proposed revisions when they come back to the State Board for approval.

The board agreed to monitor forthcoming changes and consider local input to any proposed revisions of standards or SEI guidance.