The Lansing School District is taking a series of measures designed to fight systemic racism and support Black students.
On Thursday the school board unanimously passed a resolution outlining four action steps. The district says it will continue to invest in a diverse workforce and professional development. It will create a steering committee focusing on Black history curriculum. It will also develop a plan to support Black students’ emotional well-being. Finally, says board president Gabrielle Lawrence, the district will conduct an independent equity audit.
“I imagine that person will not only do things like examine staff and student demographics in the Lansing school district, but also to make sure that things like discipline are not disproportionately affecting Black students,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence says the audit will also shed light on inequities that may also exist for other minority groups, such as Asian and Latinx students.