D.E.I. Programs in Oklahoma Schools

Union Public Schools created its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council as part of a 5-year strategic plan in 2020.

"We kind of really felt like the fact that because we have over 62 languages that are represented in Union Public Schools, a lot of people I think, are really shocked by that, and with truly the fact that as a district, we've changed demographically really over the last 10 to 15 years significantly, " says Union Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler.

Dr. Hartzler says the purpose of UPS’ D.E.I. council is "to support the inclusivity and engagement in Union's culture". After being well received by the Union community, the district adopted a D.E.I. policy.

“So, from that council came the recommendation that you know, we really would like to have a D.E.I. policy for the district, and so that's how it really all first surfaced,” says Dr. Hartzler.

Dr. Hartzler says having a D.E.I. policy was important because Union Public Schools have such a diverse demographic.

“What we wanted to do more than anything was for it to be just a statement of affirmation and belongingness to all our students and families. That if you're a part of Union Public Schools, you're worthy to belong here and, you know, we value you,” says Dr. Hartzler

However, Union Public School District does not require specific D.E.I. training or classes for any of its students.  

“What we hoped to do was maybe raise the level of respect that we all have for each other. I mean, when you think about public schools, I think that's the beauty of what public schools are really about. It's the one place where we all kind of learn to get along despite maybe our deepest differences,” says Dr. Hartzler

Although D.E.I. has been a hot topic recently, diversity, equity, and inclusion have actually been around since the 1960s, when anti-discrimination legislation became prominent. It began primarily in the workplace and spread to college campuses. 

D.E.I. training is offered at the Oklahoma City University campus. They host events throughout the year to showcase different cultures on campus.

“We did a really cool dare night with all of our multicultural student organizations,” says Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Danielle Pullen. 

“When working with the Asian district they provided some lion dancers for us. BSA, had some majorettes come and dance. ASHA had some cultural dancing,” says Pullen.

She says diversity, equity, and inclusion are about more than race and ethnicity. It's also meant to make sure everyone feels seen and heard on campus.

“Diversity does not just talk about ethnicity. Diversity also is gonna talk about gender, socioeconomic status, the LGBTQ plus community, religion, things like that,” says Pullen. "We're making sure that all folks feel like they have a spot at the table and also their voices are amplified and that we are making equitable changes to make sure.”

D.E.I. also provides inclusivity for those who are disabled.              

“We are just making sure that the classrooms are accessible, that when students are taking testing that's accessible for them,” says Pullen.

Oklahoma City University is a private institution and is not involved in the new mandate ordered by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that requires public schools to provide a written statement on all funds spent on D.E.I. Programs. At the education board meeting last week, people who are opposed to D.E.I. Programs voiced their opinions.

“I haven't seen a lot of unity I guess coming from what you Mister Walters are referring to divide, exclude and indoctrinate I feel like that's more of what I’ve been seeing,” says a speaker at the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Pullen says D.E.I. has had the opposite effect at OCU.

“It's definitely not to have people feel separated. It's really a time to make, to let people see that there are different intersectional identities that connect us and ways to help celebrate people, learn from people and grow as a person," says Pullen.

Union officials say they are still compiling the information ordered by Superintendent Walters. In the meantime, D.E.I. Programs will continue with the full support of Superintendent Hartzler. 

“If we don't learn to live together despite our deepest differences, again, either around our faith, our ideologies or, or differences in socioeconomic status, I’m not so sure what kind of world we're gonna look up to have if we don't learn to at least respect those differences," says Dr. Hartzler “I think that's one of the greatest treasures of Union Public Schools is our diversity. In fact, we say it's a treasure, and we know, you know, money can't buy the kind of diversity that we have."