DIVERSITY POLICY ANALYSIS 1
Diversity encompasses how people identify themselves and how others perceive them (Vishnu,
2021). 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(Vishnu, 2021). Therefore, the vast differences among employees in an
organization or workplace can be called workplace diversity.
Many school districts have adopted workplace diversity initiatives to encourage and
support diversity within their organization. Policies and practices to improve workplace
experiences of target groups are the purpose and definition of diversity initiatives. These policies
often take on a wide range of forms, such as diversity training, mentorship programs, and the
establishment of diversity offices. For example, Beaufort County School District's Diversity
statement and goals, also referred to as Policy 3.7, have been implemented to include all
students, staff, faculty, and volunteers. Legal counsel vets any policy or regulation that our
school district adopts. One of the things that legal counsel does is compare the district's aim with
any precedent that has been set regarding policy, in this case, Diversity Statement and Goals (M.
Hunt, personal communication, February 7, 2022).
As I reviewed policy 3.7, I saw language used that is expected and commonplace among
similar policies from other districts. The language often comes directly from case law or other
legal decisions about a case that led to the need for a common language. In my opinion, the
policy is accessible; however, I don't think I would rightly apply the word "easy" to accessibility.
It is far from easy - - a person in the community would have to do some digging. As I pondered
how to answer the proposed questions for the assignment, I reflected on the legal issues chapter
(Coley, 2006) and thought about the purpose of any policy. Why do we have that policy in the
first place? What is the aim of this particular policy? Under sensitive situations, as a school
DIVERSITY POLICY ANALYSIS 2
leader, I should be able to lean on the policy to provide me with guidance and justification for
making decisions. A good mantra that I will probably adopt as a school leader is, "It's not
personal; it's policy." Also, when dealing with employee issues, or issues involving students, I
must refer to the policy and then answer the question, "was the policy violated?" If the answer is
yes, then I must determine, based on evidence, which part of the policy was violated.
Consequences must then be applied, and a good-faith attempt to remedy or resolve the situation
follows.
Every decision a leader makes, they make in context. For this reason, as I reviewed
policy 3.7, 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. In the case of diversity (which today
embodies an entirely different scope than what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for), the first
thing I must consider is that everybody is, foremost, a human being. Second, I analyzed the
wording to ensure each human being 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 workforce demographics are changing in a variety of ways. As a result, employers
must learn to deal with cultural differences and individual work attitudes. Workplace diversity
will allow employees to share their experiences to better themselves and their organization.
DIVERSITY POLICY ANALYSIS 3
References
Administrative Regulations, Human Resource Services. (2020, August). Regulation HRS-1 non-
discrimination and non-retaliation in employment. Beaufort County School District.
https://boardpolicyonline.com/?b=beaufort
Coley, K.S. (2006). The helmsman: Leading with courage and wisdom. Purposeful Design Publications.
Vishnu, U. (2021, December 1). How to manage diversity in the workplace? Reputed-Firms.
https://blog.reputedfirms.com/how-to-manage-diversity-in-the-workplace/
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