Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Embracing Equity Newsletter, Issue 2/Spring 2025

The district focuses on various techniques for creating an equitable learning climate for all students regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, language, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, exceptionality, family style, social status, religion and belief systems by providing support to enhance the school community’s understanding of cultures and perspectives.

Race and Ethnicity

  • Get comfortable talking and learning about race, racism, and racial inequity
  • Teach kids to be conscious of race. When adults are silent about race or use “colorblind” rhetoric, they are reinforcing prejudice in children.
  • Be proactive. Refuse to be afraid of or silent about race and pointing out different skin colors on television or in books.

Resources

LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, transgender, queer)

  • Use appropriate language. Learn new terms as language and terminology.
  • Always use the pronouns and name people want to use. If you are unsure, ask.
  • Confront inappropriate language and behaviors.

Resources

  • Kaleidoscope Youth Center works in partnership with young people in Central Ohio to create safe and empowering spaces for LGBTQQA youth through advocacy, education, support, and community engagement. 
  • TransOhio provides services, education, support, and advocacy which promotes and improves the health, safety, and life experiences of the Ohio transgender individual and community. 
  • GLSEN works to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 
  • Gender Spectrum helps to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. 

Question and Feedback Forms

Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Embedded Image for: Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2023720101254831_image.jpeg)
Dr. Stephen Lewis, Sr. has served as the Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion for the Olentangy Local Schools for the past two years.  Before that, he was a business teacher for nearly a decade, first at Upper Arlington and then at Olentangy, where he also served as the Orange High School diversity liaison.

Dr. Lewis earned his doctorate in education from Ashland University, his master's in business administration from the University of Phoenix, and his undergraduate degree in psychology and business from Morehouse College.  

Dr. Lewis will begin with us on August 1st and is excited for the start of the 2023-2024 school year!

Phone: 614-231-7611

Embracing Equity Newsletter Archive