APS Diversity and Inclusion Groups misconceptions

Miriam Stein, an Arlington resident since 1974, submitted this letter. She is a leader of the Arlington Superintendent of Schools’ Diversity Advisory Committee. For many years, she was the cochair of the Diversity Task Group of Vision 2020, now Envision Arlington. She is an advocacy consultant and the author of Make Your Voice Matter With Lawmakers: No Experience Necessary.

I am writing to clarify some misconceptions about the founding of the Diversity and Inclusion Groups (DIGS), which are now at each of Arlington’s public schools. The DIGS were established by the superintendent of schools who asked principals to create a group at their school. The Superintendent’s Diversity Advisory Committee was pleased that one of its key recommendations had become a reality.

The DIGS are composed primarily of parents, school administrators and teachers. They have sponsored informative programs on diversity issues and have given parents a place to share their concerns about their and their children’s experiences with diversity and inclusion.

Many parents have actively been involved in making the groups an important part of their school’s offerings. The DIGS also give parents opportunities to network with parents in other schools who share their interests and concerns.

This letter was published Sunday, May 17, 2020.