Rochester Community Schools Adopts Equity Statement
(RCS, May 18, 2022)
Rochester, MI – The Board of Education of the Rochester Community School District unanimously passed a resolution at the Monday, May 9, meeting with a 5-0 vote to adopt the District Equity Statement. Two board members were absent from the meeting with notice but submitted letters for the record affirming their support.
“The RCS District Equity Statement serves as commitment to honor and affirm the complete humanity of all students, staff, caregivers, and members within our organization,” said Executive Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Tiffany Goliday.
The District Equity Statement reads:
Rochester Community Schools is committed to providing an equitable education that prepares all students for an interdependent, evolving world. We believe in a unified culture of belonging for all. We recognize that systemic inequities exist that create educational equity gaps among various identity groups, specifically those who have been marginalized. Through a multifaceted approach of inclusion, we commit to creating opportunities and access, protecting the well-being of all, eliminating barriers, and educating within a safe environment where all individuals are valued, respected, included, welcomed, and acknowledged.
“I wholeheartedly support the RCS Equity Statement and am proud to work alongside the smart, dedicated individuals who made sure every word of it meaningfully contributes to the mission of our organization,” said Board Vice President Kristin Bull in a statement. “We have a long way to go to address equity gaps in education — as a district and as a greater community. My hope is that this statement serves as a guide for that work going forward.”
The District Equity Statement is the result of a collaborative process that was initiated by the District Equity Committee, a representative group of students, parents, caregivers, staff members and community members who serve to advance Rochester Community Schools on its journey toward cultural proficiency, inclusion and belonging. Community stakeholders, support networks and employee bargaining groups also had the opportunity to provide feedback before the statement was presented to the board for a vote.
“Having worked on the statement as part of the District Equity Committee, I know first-hand the thought and care that was put into crafting it,” said Amber Gress, RCS information literacy specialist. “It truly shows the commitment of the district to continue to lift up all voices, support an inclusive learning and work environment, and foster positive change. What is even more exciting to me, is that this equity statement is just the beginning. It is a stepping-off point for taking action and creating sustainable change that will benefit both our district and community. I look forward to continuing the work of the District Equity Committee.”
Rochester High School Parent and RCS Equity Committee Member Albert Rush said, “As a parent, I have volunteered at RCS since my 10th grader was in first grade and am currently serving as the vice president of membership for the Rochester High School PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association). I am excited that after five years of intense discussion and challenging work, RCS has adopted this District Equity Statement. It is my hope and prayer that this statement will help RCS advance as a more equitable district.”
As the largest district in Oakland County, Rochester Community Schools has been acknowledged for actively embracing and signing into practice a statement that strengthens their commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Dr. Jay Marks, diversity and equity consultant for Oakland Schools, attended the May 9 board meeting and read a memorandum of support on behalf of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council of Oakland County, a body of equity leaders representing 10 school districts within Oakland County. Learn more about Rochester Community Schools at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/
