Whether you’re a new board member or a seasoned veteran, there are always new leadership skills to explore. NJSBA offers training opportunities to help you reach your full potential as a board member.
Creating a classroom culture that is welcoming to all is a top priority in schools and promotes the success of all students.
Teacher and students walking in the corridor at school – including a person with special needs
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a positive educational environment that is fair and supportive of all students, staff and community members. By understanding these concepts, board members can help build more equitable and effective schools that benefit all students and prepare them for success in a diverse and globalized world.
Educational equity seeks to provide opportunities and achieve excellent outcomes for all students by providing individual students with the supports they need to succeed.”
NJSBA, What You Need to Know About Educational Equity and CRT
Selected Resources
Explore the NJSBA resources below to learn more. While NJSBA does not advocate for DEI, we are committed to providing resources, information, and support to help stakeholders make informed decisions. Our goal is to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to navigate this important topic effectively.
The New Jersey Department of Education has a webpage of diversity, equity and inclusion educational resources that includes frequently asked questions, sample activities and lessons and more.
USDOE Issues 'Dear Colleague Letter' on Nondiscrimination Obligations of Schools
As it relates to DEI programs, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights clarified that whether a policy or program violates Title VI does not depend on how it is titled, but rather on whether the program treats students differently based on race, engages in racial stereotyping, or creates a hostile environment for students of particular races.
03/11/2025
Topics: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, School Law
New Jersey Joins Multistate Guidance for Schools on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Initiatives
It is critical to note, and as the guidance makes clear, “nothing in the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter or FAQ changes existing law and well-established legal principles that encourage – and even require – schools to promote educational opportunity for students of all backgrounds.”
03/11/2025
Topics: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Moving Toward More Equitable Schools: Introducing the Keynote Speaker for NJSBA's Equity Expo
The conference will feature a keynote session, “Moving Toward More Equitable Schools,” presented by co-founder and chair of All In for Inclusive Education, LeDerick Horne.
