Broward County School District has always been in full compliance as far as state laws go. This resolution is not necessary especially with some of the new curriculum items within the African American history standards. I am an African American Woman and I believe this resolution is disingenuous at best and nefariously latent at worst. I suggest the removal of two areas in the resolution: (1) "WHEREAS, our Deputy Superintendent, Teaching & Learning, through the Superintendent of Schools has confirmed Broward County Public Schools, the nation's 6th largest school district with more than 256,000 students, is in full compliance with all schools teaching African American history instruction" (2) Section 1. The School Board of Broward County, Florida fully supports Florida law and continued instruction of African American history in all schools. In Section 2 My suggestion is to remove "on compliance with the law, provide notification" and in same section rephrase "to empower district staff to continuously collaborate and keep the district's Diversity Advisory Committee apprised of key updates" to "Empower district staff to continuously collaborate along with the district's diversity Advisory Committee on key updates". Why should the diversity committee be only updated rather than included in the process of collaboration?
I ask that ALL board members understand that from this African American Woman's perspective this resolution feels like entrapment and thus a potential threat to teachers and staff who engage in the teachings of African American history. As far as the community goes most African Americans in this county understand the tactics and know why the proposer of this resolution is presenting this now. We are just hoping you board members are paying attention and do the people's will.
The Power of the People is Greater Than the People in Power. ~ Wael Ghonim