April 30th 2025.
In a unanimous decision, the City Schools of Decatur Board of Education has voted to reinstate several important diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. These policies, which were previously amended or eliminated, address issues of equal employment opportunities, educational access, and gender equity in sports. The decision was made during a special meeting and was prompted by recent federal court rulings.
Earlier this month, the board had modified or removed these policies in response to directives from the White House and concerns about potential loss of federal funding. However, after further consideration and the understanding that these policies are crucial for promoting fairness and inclusivity, the board ultimately decided to restore them.
The meeting, which took place on April 29th at the Wilson Center, was also live-streamed for those who were unable to attend in person. This decision to reinstate the DEI policies comes after they were previously eliminated in 2025 due to the Department of Education's attack on DEI initiatives in schools. There was fear that the district would lose funding after the Department of Education labeled these policies as "race-based" preferences in a recent memo called the "Dear Colleague" letter.
The department stated, "American educational institutions have discriminated against students based on race, including white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families. These institutions' embrace of pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination has permeated throughout every facet of academia."
The reinstated policies aim to ensure that all students and staff have fair and equal access to educational resources and opportunities. They seek to address the significant achievement gap for underserved demographics, reflecting the district's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. City Schools of Decatur has a long-standing history of prioritizing equity, and in 2019, the district even revamped its equity department, which is now led by Executive Director Lillie Huddleston. The department oversees various support services, such as school nurses, psychologists, academic support, counseling, and social work, while also addressing the needs of homeless students.
The recent action taken by the board highlights their dedication to upholding DEI principles, even amid evolving federal guidelines and potential funding implications. This decision emphasizes the district's commitment to providing a fair and inclusive education for all students. In related news, the Decatur City Schools will now be charging tuition for out-of-district K-5 students.
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