Newport School Committee Meeting Sparks Debate on DEI Policy and District-Wide Challenges
NEWPORT, R.I. – A recent Newport School Committee meeting drew a capacity crowd, igniting a passionate debate about the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy and broader concerns about academic performance. While the meeting’s high attendance demonstrated community engagement, School Committee member Elizabeth "Beth" Cullen argued in a letter to the editor that the energy was misdirected, fueled by misinformation and a lack of focus on the district’s most pressing issues. Cullen emphasized the need to shift the focus from rhetoric and grandstanding to actionable solutions that address the root causes of the district’s persistent challenges.
The central point of contention was the vote to return the DEI policy to the policy subcommittee for legal review. This procedural step, intended to protect the financially constrained district from potential lawsuits, was misconstrued by some attendees, particularly a group referred to by Cullen as the "Havoc Divas," as an attempt to dismantle the DEI policy altogether. This misinterpretation ignited a firestorm of opposition, further diverting attention from the critical issues that continue to plague the Newport school system. Cullen lamented the spread of misinformation and urged the community to focus on constructive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
Cullen pointed to a pattern of impulsive decision-making and inadequate scrutiny, citing the controversial push to build a high school in a contested location and the resistance to regionalization efforts. She identified the same group of individuals, dubbed "Building Newport’s Future," as the source of the chaos surrounding the DEI policy review. According to Cullen, this group’s approach prioritizes grand pronouncements and ambitious plans over practical, data-driven strategies, hindering the district’s ability to address its fundamental problems.
While acknowledging the importance of a robust DEI policy, Cullen stressed that it is not a panacea for the deep-seated issues impacting student achievement. She highlighted a constellation of challenges, including low expectations for students, pervasive cellphone distractions in classrooms, allegations of favoritism, disengaged staff, chronic absenteeism, and a lack of effective oversight. These interconnected problems, Cullen argued, demand immediate attention and concrete solutions. She called for a shift in focus from symbolic gestures to tangible actions that directly impact student learning and well-being.
Cullen emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, particularly in the context of national and international turmoil. She called upon the community to harness the energy displayed at the School Committee meeting and redirect it towards developing and implementing effective solutions at the local level. Cullen urged all stakeholders to move beyond empty rhetoric and engage in meaningful action to improve educational outcomes for all students.
In her concluding remarks, Cullen reiterated her commitment to the district’s mission of preparing all students for success. She called for a collaborative approach, emphasizing the need for action, equity, and a dedication to creating a brighter future for every student in Newport. She urged the community to join forces and work constructively to build a stronger and more substantive educational system, ensuring that students receive not only words of support but also concrete actions that pave the way for their success. Cullen’s call to action emphasized the need for a unified effort to overcome the district’s challenges and provide all students with the opportunities they deserve. She stressed that the future of Newport’s students depends on the community’s willingness to move beyond divisive rhetoric and embrace collaborative problem-solving.