The subject of diversity, equity and inclusion took center stage at the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board meeting on Monday, April 14, with the district finding itself caught in a difficult position on the issue.
During his superintendent’s report, Michael Thomas discussed the multiple letters the district received from the Department of Education regarding its current expectations regarding DEI initiatives in the nation’s schools. Overtures from President Donald Trump’s administration have included threats to cut federal funding to any public school district that continues to operate DEI programs.
Thomas pointed out that the state of Minnesota has human rights laws that supersede any federal executive orders; therefore, the district will continue to follow Minnesota laws regarding DEI.
“We will continue to abide by what is right for our kids,” Thomas said. “We are a public educational system that serves all students, no matter who they are and how they show up in our classrooms every single day. That’s non-negotiable as your superintendent.”
However, some groups believe there is more the district could be doing to address equity among students. The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee presented a written statement regarding its vote of nonconcurrence to the school board. AIPAC’s chairperson, Ciera McAllister, spoke on the committee’s behalf.
McAllister acknowledged the positive steps that the district has taken this year before discussing the district’s shortcomings in meeting the needs of its Native American students. In its letter of nonconcurrence, AIPAC also offered recommendations of what the district could do to achieve concurrence.
“Unfortunately, the PAC’s concerns, requests and recommendations remain much the same and has been repeatedly expressed in the letters of nonconcurrence issued over the last several years,” McAllister said. “Since at least 2020, the PAC has issued specific requests to which there has been either no response or an inadequate response.”
Members of AIPAC suggested the board members have discussions with the boards of those neighboring districts deemed to be in concurrence to see what they’re doing differently. A primary issue, according to AIPAC, is the achievement gap between Native students and other students in the district’s schools.
Additionally, as part of the district’s cost-cutting measures, the board agreed in a unanimous vote to discontinue certain programs and positions at the end of the school year, including PLSAS’s director of equity and inclusion post.
The loss of the position, currently held by Sam Ouk, was met with especially pointed objection. Words of opposition against the decision — as well as gratitude for Ouk — were shared by members of the community in attendance, along with McAllister and the school board’s student representative, Anh Pham.
“The work that you, Mr. Ouk, have done for this district is undeniably life changing,” Pham said. “I can say that because it has changed my life. So, thank you.”
