Urgent Call for Action
We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members, call upon the Jenkintown School Board to take immediate and decisive action to strengthen Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) accountability and initiatives within our district.

Our Call to Action
We urge the Jenkintown School Board to take the following immediate steps to establish a sustainable, district-wide DEIB strategy:

• Provide annual, comprehensive training for all teachers and staff on discrimination, racism in the classroom, implicit bias, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Develop and enforce clear, transparent policies to address incidents of bias and discrimination, ensuring accountability and consistency in responses.
• Integrate DEIB principles into curriculum, instructional practices, and school culture, ensuring that students see themselves represented and that inclusion is embedded in daily learning experiences.
• Implement targeted recruitment and retention efforts to increase teacher and leadership diversity, fostering a school environment where all educators and students feel valued and supported.

Jenkintown must acknowledge that meaningful, systemic change requires expertise beyond what currently exists within the district. Without internal capacity to lead and sustain this work effectively, we urge the School Board to engage an independent DEIB organization to:

• Conduct an equity audit to assess current policies, practices, and school climate.
• Provide an objective, data-driven analysis to identify key areas for improvement.
• Develop a structured DEIB strategy with clear, actionable steps and accountability measures.
• Ensure alignment with best practices from districts that have successfully implemented sustainable, measurable DEIB efforts.

Why This Matters
Our district has witnessed a concerning rise in harmful rhetoric among students, including comments targeting race, ethnicity, gender expression, and religion. These incidents, paired with pervasive microaggressions, reflect systemic challenges that extend beyond isolated events.

While we recognize that fostering inclusive values begins at home, schools play a critical role in shaping a culture of belonging, safety, and respect for all students and families. This is a pivotal moment for Jenkintown to acknowledge the gaps, take ownership, and implement meaningful action to ensure that every student feels welcomed, valued, and safe in our schools.

Additionally, while a DEIB committee exists, it has not been given the priority, structure, or authority needed to drive meaningful change. The committee lacks diverse representation, a clear agenda, and measurable goals. Community feedback also indicates that DEIB-related staff professional development has been inconsistent and often deprioritized in favor of competing initiatives.

The time for action is now - not only to address immediate concerns but to establish a sustainable, district-wide strategy that embeds equity and accountability into the foundation of our schools for years to come.