Latest news with #ChristinaBoggess
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘DEI' resolution fails after USBE members' disagree on language
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A motion by the that sought to remove remaining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Utah schools has failed after members of the board couldn't come to an agreement on the resolution's language and effects. Voting 4 to 10, members of the board had expressed concerns regarding the resolution's impact on existing programs and the language used within the resolution. The board reported during the meeting that several members had received 'hundreds' of emails regarding the resolution, including concerns over how the resolution would affect programs like Latinos in Action and special needs programs. 'I think we have overwhelmingly heard from those that care deeply across the state about programs that are impacted and targeted by this language,' Sarah Reale (D – District 5), member of the Utah School Board. 'Do we believe there is a space or language that would actually be acceptable and be something that the public would approve of? To me, we already have a law in place. We don't need this resolution, there are better things we can be working on right now.' PREVIOUS: USBE cites communism in new resolution to remove DEI The resolution, sponsored by Christina Boggess (R – District 8), sought to be an enforcement resolution for laws that were passed by the State Legislature in the 2024 General Session. It used language saying DEI was 'attempting to achieve the Soviet Communist goal of actual equality,' and used 'ethnic minorities' to advance communism in society. 'I am sure that I will offend some of you. However, this resolution is nonsense,' Jeanetta Williams, President of the Salt Lake Branch NAACP, said in a letter addressed to the school board. 'American DEI grew from US domestic politics, not soviet thinking. Passing the resolution with the Soviet reference would be an embarrassment to the State of Utah.' The letter penned by Williams also expressed concerns over the vagueness of the resolution. Saying that it had not listed specific programs, thus the resolution could confuse local school districts in their application of the resolution. In an amended version of the resolution, shown at the board meeting, language was added to affirm individual rights and to clarify that the resolution wouldn't affect special education programs. After the motion failed, several measures followed to postpone the measure to next month's meeting, or to postpone voting on the measure indefinitely. Both motions failed. A further measure to send a response to those who had contacted the board regarding the measure failed as well. The meeting moved to lunch and the measure was not revisited. It is currently unclear whether the board will return to the issue. In speaking with a representative of the board, was told that 'significant changes' would have to be made to the resolution to be heard again by the board. Otherwise, the board would have to vote to reconsider their action in a future meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
USBE cites communism in new resolution to remove DEI
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The (USBE) is considering a resolution that mandates the removal of remaining DEI initiatives and calls on local school districts to do the same, citing communist influences. The resolution, listed in the board's meeting agenda for Thursday, asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) are still present within 'schools, trainings, USBE, and auxiliary items,' despite laws that were passed by the legislature for their removal. It goes on to say that DEI programs are 'attempting to achieve the Soviet Communist goal of actual equality' and using 'ethnic minorities' to advance communism in society. READ: Utah Lawmakers passed H.B. 261 during the 2024 State Legislative Session 'DEI at its core is 1920s Soviet Union policy for using ethnic minorities to advance the installation of Communism,' the resolution reads. If passed, the measure would direct state staff and personnel to 'immediately disband any and all (DEI) practices' and rescind any documents, training, programs, curriculum, and policies relating to DEI. In addition, the resolution would call for local districts to do the same, expecting compliance 'immediately,' but no later than June 30. 'This resolution is [not] controversial,' Christina Boggess (R – District 8), member of the Utah State School Board, told 'There is an overt obfuscation and blatant disregard for [] among many within the USBE and our Local Education Agencies. After waiting more than five years for the agency to respond to the people's voice and ultimately comply with the code, this resolution would assert that the leaders elected by the people take this issue and agency non-compliance seriously.' The resolution comes after the Trump Administration gave schools a deadline to . On Jan 20, President Trump issued an directing federal agencies to terminate DEI programs across the federal government. The Department of Education then issued new guidelines three days later in accordance with Trump's order. 'Our public schools have put time and resources implementing and following the requirements of H.B. 261. This resolution is unnecessary, creates misleading narratives, fuels culture wars, and is, frankly, embarrassing,' Sarah Reale (D – District 5), member of the Utah State Board of Education, told in a statement. 'It is unfortunate this is how we will be spending our limited Board work time, when we could be working to support our students, teachers, and families in Utah.' reached out to other school board members who raised concerns over the resolution's language and the impact it would have on special needs students. 'Many of my constituents are worried about how this resolution will affect special education students. Although special education law does not use the term 'inclusion,' many parents see it as related to their child's educational experience in a general environment with their peers,' , member of USBE, told Wood continued: 'Raising a child with special needs has its own joys and challenges, and as a Board, we should not add to their concerns with a non-binding resolution that brings more confusion than improvement. In schools where statute related to H.B. 261 is not being complied with, we should target those areas specifically.' reached out to all 15 members of the board, and four have replied so far. Out of those who responded, three members indicated they would not be voting for the resolution, one indicated that they would. The board is set to debate and vote on this measure on April 3 during the regularly scheduled board meeting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
