23-04-2025
VB school board gets earful on DEI decision
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — It has been a long, simmering battle over diversity, equity and inclusion in public schools, and Tuesday, the Virginia Beach School Board got an earful from a standing room only crowd, many of them students, about its previous decision to suspend what has become a controversial policy.
VB board adopts resolution to suspend DEI initiatives
The meeting was the first for the board since it adopted the resolution, and 113 people signed up to speak on all sides of the issue, from former educators to community members. But those who spoke up the most? Students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
The resolution passed stated that it is 'to comply with legal obligations in exchange for receiving federal financial assistance.' In the meeting, School Board Chairwoman Kathleen J. Brown said VBCPS gets $74,285,975 in federal funding.
K-12 schools must sign certification against DEI to receive federal money, administration says
'No matter what side you're on, we want to hear everyone,' said Virginia Beach School Board chairwoman Kathleen Brown.
And they made their voices heard on a decision that has received close scrutiny.
'They just kind of see the effects and how passing something in secret like this won't fly, and we'll call them out for it,' said First Colonial High School student Hattie Friedman.
Friedman does not want to lose DEI programs at school, saying it puts certain students at a disadvantage.
Another First Colonial student, Bryce Deatley, speaking in support of DEI, said some students are only able to be their true selves at school.
'Some people have to hide their self who they are at home,' Deatley said, 'and sometimes school is their only place where they can be who they are.'
The board listened to both sides of this debate for hours. Many didn't like the swift manner in which the resolution was adopted, while others said the resolution is unclear on just exactly what programs will be cut.
10 On Your Side asked school board members about the decision.
'As you can see, everybody's got ample opportunity to comment,' said District 8 board member David Culpepper.
Said board member Dr. Alveta Green: 'I don't know if this is going to lead to an expulsion of the policy where everything is completely removed.'
Some are praising the suspension of DEI initiatives, but others disagree.
'DEI, I feel it's very destructive,' said Virginia Beach resident Teresa Langille. 'To me, it's a form that could lead to Marxism.'
The decision to suspend DEI initiatives within Virginia Beach City Public Schools still stands, as board members continue to hear from the community.
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