Civil Rights Groups Rally To Protect Inclusion In IE Schools

PERRIS, CA — Civil rights organizations are calling on community members to turn out in numbers to oppose the Perris Union High School District's recent decision to eliminate funding for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

On March 5, PUHSD's Board of Trustees voted 4-1 to eliminate nearly two dozen district positions and dismiss some employees, including mental health professionals and the director of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department.

Trustee Elizabeth Vallejo cast the lone no vote.

A PUHSD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for May 15, and CART, NAACP and LULAC are asking concerned community members to attend and voice support for reinstating DEI funding.

"With racism on the rise and the everyday challenges students face, diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts along with professional wellness staff are necessary for students to feel safe and well at school," said Janice Rooths, executive director of the CART (Center Against Racism & Trauma).

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson represents the city of Perris and surrounding communities. He has opposed DEI defunding. In a statement issued in March, he said the PUHSD's defunding was an example of moving too hastily without allowing the community sufficient time to respond to potential cuts.

Decisions on budgets should be made collaboratively, keeping the community and students in mind, particularly when contemplating cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs that serve students of color, employ people of color, and provide essential tools and services for community access to public education, according to Jackson.

PUHSD's student body is diverse, with more than 71% identified as Hispanic or Latino, more than 13% as white, and over 6% as Black, according to California Department of Education data.

Opposition to DEI initiatives has intensified in some public school districts, bringing race and culture war battles to campuses. In the current political climate, DEI programs can be a dog whistle for those who claim the initiatives are racist and funding should be stopped.

Jackson asserts these narratives are misguided and harmful.

"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs have proven value add to school districts and communities," Jackson said.

Contrary to divisive narratives, DEI programs play a vital role in fostering success for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, according to Jackson.

The 5 p.m. May 15 Perris Union High School District Board of Trustees meeting will be held at 155 E. 4th Street, Perris. The full meeting agenda is available here.