At ABRSD, we are dedicated to creating and sustaining inclusive classrooms, schools, and systems that foster a sense of belonging for each and every student. At the core of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is our commitment to disrupt the dominant culture and the systemic, institutional biases within our school system that currently limit or impede opportunity or access for minoritized students. This work requires continuous learning so that we can identify, examine, and confront our language, practices, procedures, and policies that directly or indirectly promote or sustain inequitable outcomes and deficit thinking.

Our District Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity: the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. While diversity itself is not a value-laden term, the way that people react to diversity is driven by values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. (Adapted from the National Education Association)

Equity: securing needed supports, opportunities, and resources for individuals and groups of students who typically haven't received what they need from schools (Adapted from Mica Pollack's Schooltalk: Rethinking What We Say About- and to- Students Everyday)

Inclusion: is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our society; it is about transforming those systems and strategies to make it better for everyone. Inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone.  (Diane Richler, Inclusion International)