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Policy Analysis
Since the beginning, America has been the land of opportunity and freedom for all who
complete the journey. This “melting pot” of individuals from different countries, cultures, and/or
parts of the world provide a multitude of humanly differences. In the professional world this is
known as Diversity. Race, gender, ethnic groups, age, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship
status, military service, mental and physical ailments, and other significant characteristics are all
examples of diversity in the workplace. Policies must be in place to protect everyone, and the
term used for diversity and safety is discrimination. Working at small 3A school in an urban area
South of Dallas, Texas, cultural diversity is not known a lot or really imagined as being a concern
to have. For this reason, I chose to look into diversity within the workplace at Dallas
Independent School District.
School districts have adopted workplace diversity initiatives to encourage and support
diversity within their organization. Dallas ISD has created their own Racial Equality Office,
which is designed for students now, but carries the same weight for employees as well. Dallas
ISD must always have policies in place for protecting workplace experiences. Dallas
Independent School District's Diversity statement and goals have been implemented to include
all students, staff, faculty, and volunteers. Legal counsel vets any policy or regulation that our
school district adopts. A branch of this policy comes from Texas Senate Bill 3. This bill is
helping teach cultural diversity and acceptance for teachers, staff, administrators, students, and
the community.
Laws or policies are either proactive or reactive and sadly in this case the discrimination
laws and policies are almost always reactively enacted. The policy at hand states:
It is an unlawful employment practice for a district to discriminate.
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Policy Analysis
against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms,
conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's:
1. Race, color, or national origin;
2. Religion;
3. Sex;
4. Age;
5. Disability; or
6. Genetic information
Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (Section 1981)—race. 42 U.S.C. 1981
This policy is straightforward but upholding and enforcing this would prove to be
difficult. Recalling the lawful issues chapter (Coley, 2006) and why establishing the purpose of
any policy is important. We must first decode the policy with simple questions of why do we
have it and what is the purpose? My superintendent used the following questions when speaking
to the coaching staff at the beginning of the year; Is it ethical, is it policy, and is it what is
expected from an educator. I would love to use these same principles when viewing issues.
Policy must always be adhered to too. Being the leader of a district, policy upholding, is the
hardest and easiest responsibility. You have to answer one question, "was the policy violated?"
Investigate issue, determine violation, and issue consequences and always attempt a to remedy or
resolve the situation following the outcome.
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Policy Analysis
Every decision district superintendent makes, they make in perspective. As I briefly
scanned different policies pertaining to common place rules and regulations, any changes (none
at this time) that I would suggest should be grounded within the context of the people that the
policy is designed to serve. The first thing I must consider is that everybody is a human being.
The bible reminds us that “Everybody has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” ((Bible
gateway passage: Romans 3:23 - new international version 2023)). Second, I analyzed the
phrasing to ensure everyone has an equal chance of being represented and that all stakeholders
have the same protections. Third, I do not see any exclusion of any kind in this policy. If I did see
exclusion, I would have to consider why it exists and is it appropriate?
The United States, especially, are quickly becoming a diverse place to live, play, and
work. With time and education, school districts and places of employment must adapt and
educate themselves in an inclusive and diverse attitude. Being comfortable and safe as an
employee will make for a suitable work environment and in return will make employees more
efficient for whatever the purpose of the place of employment.
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Policy Analysis
References
Bible gateway passage: Romans 3:23 - new international version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NIV
Dallas Independent School District / Dallas ISD Home. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2023,
fromhttps://www.dallasisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001475/Centricity/Domain/110/DallasISD
%202022-2023%20Compensation%20Handbook.pdf
Coley, K.S. (2006). The helmsman: Leading with courage and wisdom. Purposeful Design
Publications.
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