At South Colonie Central School District, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community. We believe that embracing diversity enriches our educational experiences, strengthens our community, and prepares our students to thrive in a global society.

South Colonie is a community committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence. We firmly believe that we can best promote excellence by fostering opportunities for our diverse group of students, faculty and staff and by creating a climate of respect that is supportive of their success.  Further, we recognize that the responsibility for excellence, diversity and inclusion lies with all of us at South Colonie: Board of Education, district leadership, administration, faculty, staff and students.

The South Colonie Central School District stands together with the 24 school districts that comprise the Capital Region BOCES region in our shared responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. It is our commitment that the diverse experiences and perspectives of our students, families and staff will be recognized, reflected and embraced in our educational institutions.

While our 24 school communities in the Capital Region each have a unique makeup, we all share one commonality: Our desire to provide an equitable educational experience that ensures opportunities and the necessary support for success for all students. It is our pledge to embrace the diverse experiences, values, beliefs, backgrounds and perspectives of our communities as we endeavor to prepare our students for the society they will encounter in life beyond our school systems.

The most successful organizations and schools go beyond just hiring for diversity. They are committed to ensuring that everyone feels included and free to share their ideas.

South Colonie’s strategy to foster an inclusive workplace lends itself to improvement in the district’s four pillars: Academics, Wellness, Character and Community. By creating a space where everyone has a voice and encouraging new and exciting ideas, South Colonie can drive academic success and develop a sense of community in our classrooms. Research suggests that all students benefit from strong DEI practices.

In May 2021, the New York State Board of Regents set forth a policy urging and supporting efforts in New York’s schools. This policy anticipates that all educational institutions will adopt and implement substantive DEI policies and practices. Keeping this commitment to DEI at the forefront, South Colonie released its first edition equity report card in October 2021. With the overarching goal of eradicating race, class, ability  and gender as determinants of academic performance and social-emotional well-being in our district, the equity report card offered descriptive data on demographics and student achievement, pinpointing potential areas of disproportionality.

The second edition of the report, available below, empowers the district to formulate and execute an action plan aimed at reducing inequities in learning opportunities while fostering academic achievement across all student groups.

Equity Report Card Second Edition

Bi-annually, the South Colonie school community is invited to embark on a journey that transcends borders and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures within our student body. Our Multicultural Celebration is a vibrant and joyous event where South Colonie families, teachers and community members unite to share the sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world.

What to Expect

• Culinary Delights: Indulge your taste buds with a diverse array of international cuisines prepared by South Colonie families. From traditional dishes to exotic flavors, there's something to satisfy every palate.

• Cultural Performances: Immerse yourself in captivating performances that showcase the talents and traditions of our students. Dance, music and other artistic expressions will grace the stage, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of our community.

• Interactive Exhibits: Engage with interactive exhibits that offer hands-on experiences, allowing you to explore different aspects of various cultures. Learn, participate, and connect with the global community within South Colonie.

Articles 

• Gorski, Paul. Avoiding Racial Equity Detours. Students experiencing racism can’t wait for schools to move at their own pace and comfort level.
• Gorski, Paul and Katy Swalwell. Equity Literacy for All  Equity Literacy for All.

Video

• DiAngelo, Robin. Deconstructing White Privilege. Deconstructing White Privilege
• The Myth of Race: The Myth of Race
• Unconscious Bias: Unconscious Bias
• Hammond, Zaretta. Building Students’ Learning Muscles as our Equity Imperative. Building Students’ Learning Muscles as our Equity Imperative. 

Books

• DiAngelo, Robin. White Fragility.
• Hammond, Zaretta.  Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain.
• Kendi, Ibram.  Stamped from the Beginning.
• Kendi, Ibram. How to Be An Antiracist.
• Love, Bettina.  We Want to Do More Than Survive.
• Minor, Cornelius.  We Got This.
• Tatum, Beverly. Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria.
• Coates, T-Nehisi. Between the World and Me