My Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald. During
one of many conversations we had while discussing the important work that needs to be done around diversity,
equity and inclusion, she reflected on a statement she made in her book, “Anti-Racism and Universal Design for
Learning: Building Expressways to Success”. She stated,

“Every human has a role to play in equity and inclusion. There is no difference that is too small, or a challenge that is
too minor. There is always more work to do. One step today makes a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow for
someone else.”

This simple statement really resonated with me. I find that when we talk about the work that needs to be done, many
feel that the lift is too strong. In the distant past, we had made some strides in the right direction. But, in recent
months, it seems that we have, as a community, taken some steps in the wrong direction. Andratesha reminded me
that even small steps in the right direction will get us back on the path we need to move our community in the right
direction. A continued and intentional focus on moving toward a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow is possible.

With that said, I am committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all places. This commitment has been
evident in my actions throughout my career as an educator. For some, the idea of diversity, equity and inclusion is
illusive, they think they can check the box after attending that one PD session for the year. For me, It is deeply
engrained in my character and evident in my practices. As I reflect on nearly 20 years in education, my work has
evolved, but my commitment has remained the same.

I am committed to honoring diversity. Diversity values the ways that we’re all different. This includes gender, sexual
orientation, race/ethnicity, abilities, culture, religion. We all come from different backgrounds and bring with us
unique experiences. I have worked to honor diversity in my classroom, in the buildings and in the districts where I
have worked. I have chosen to raise my children and work in a district that does the same. I have worked to honor
diversity through lifelong learning and reflection. My recent participation in the MDE Safe Schools for LGBTQ+
Students series is one example. These sessions have given me the knowledge and skills to better support LGBTQ+
students in our schools.

I am committed to advancing equity. Equity means that there may be a need to treat individuals differently in order
to provide an equal experience. As a special educator, my work is grounded in providing equitable educational
opportunities for my students. I have done this in a variety of ways as I work with a team to implement a student’s
Individualized Education Plan (IEP). In my current position, I have been able to leverage technology to provide a
more equitable educational experience for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

Last, I am committed to inclusion. Inclusion isn’t just about providing access to the same educational space. True
inclusive practice is working to make sure students have access to the same educational experiences in those spaces.
As Andratesha Fritzgerald reminds us, it’s about honor. True inclusion honors students by making sure that they feel
heard, valued and represented. I have been on the receiving end of this honor and it has molded me into the educator
I am today. I work tirelessly to make sure all students I encounter know that I see them, I want to learn from them
and with them, and that I am committed to their success. I have chosen to work in P-CCS because inclusive practice
is embedded in the district’s mission and vision.

I will continue to take those steps toward a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow for the district and my
community. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at all levels-district, building and classroom, to
accomplish this important work.
Stacey Banks