Despite claims that it values diverse perspectives in working to improve local schools, the Fairbanks School Board’s Diversity Committee doesn’t seem interested in hearing from pro-life stakeholders in the area.
The unelected Diversity Committee members serve as key advisors to the school board by submitting resolutions and recommendations for its approval. During its most recent meeting on Jan. 10, the committee brainstormed a list of community groups it wants to hear from in order to better appreciate the challenges faced in the wider community.
The committee overwhelmingly agreed that it wants to hear from Native Alaskan organizations, as well as LGBTQ groups such as the Fairbanks Queer Youth Council. Not all groups, however, were welcomed at the diversity table. At one point in the meeting, Member Rinam Kowalski objected to the inclusion of FYNDout Free, a prominent pro-life pregnancy center in Fairbanks that provides health education, nutritional support, ultrasounds, parenting classes and material aid for pregnant women in need.
Kowalski, who said she identifies as “queer, 2-spirit, non-binary and indigenous,” said she had a “concern” about the FYNDout clinic being included on the list of potential presenters.
“They do have a history of some misinformation, so I was worried about that,” she told her fellow committee members.
School Board Member Erin Morotti, who was chairing the meeting told Kowalski that the list of possible presenters was “created over time since 2019.”
“And so, we can update it as we go through,” Morotti assured Kowalski. “We do try to keep a very diverse perspective, and if this committee wanted to hear from them, then I as the facilitator of this committee would make that happen, but I hear what you’re saying, and we can update that as we go forward.”
Kowalski didn’t elaborate on why she believed FYNDout disseminates misinformation, and none of her fellow members bothered to question the allegation, but it is a claim many pro-abortion activists levy against pro-life pregnancy centers. In particular, pro-abortionists object to the fact that pro-life centers’ focus on providing counseling and support that encourages women to reject abortion, while empowering them to choose life for their pre-born babies.
Towards the end of the meeting, Member Erin Schupp praised the diversity committee for its work to improve Fairbanks schools.
“The more voices we have – the more perspectives – it feeds our bodies, and it feeds our communities,” she claimed. “There’s pushback in our state in our community in our nation that we shouldn’t have diversity, but I think it is important.”
Ironically, Schupp was among the members who remained silent when Kowalski objected to the pro-life center’s inclusion on the list of possible presenters to the committee.
According to the Diversity Committee’s website, it “provides administration officials with a wide range of perspectives to assist in maintaining an educational environment that embraces and supports equity, equality, inclusivity, and an openness to our diversity. The committee is charged with keeping the administration informed of specific concerns and helping find ways to encourage all students and parents to become involved in educational opportunities and school activities.”
In the coming months, the committee is focused on drafting recommendations to raise awareness about disability issues in schools. Eventually, however, the group aims to push, diversity, equity and inclusion training for staff and students as well as LGBTQ awareness, including policy recommendations for the school board.
TAKING ACTION
— The next Diversity Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Fairbanks School District Administrative Center (520 5th Avenue). The meeting is open to the public and includes time for public testimony. For additional information on upcoming meetings, including how to participate remotely, click here.
— According to the Fairbanks School Board’s website, the Diversity Committee needs additional members. Click here to apply or find out more information.
— Click here to express your thoughts about the Diversity Committee to the school board members.
4 Comments
This is truly disheartening news, abortion remains the number 1 issue for young school children. How can a school board even think to not include pro life views when children as young as 6 are having abortions.
What a troll you are. Lol
Our very own governor has a view of what it means to be prolife: look around and see how many crane’s there are! He’s not concerned about the suction tube pulling off arms, legs, and heads of the babies that in vehicles known as their mothers soon to be brought to their designed destinations! In their mothers arms!
The Diversity Committee has no intention of being diverse. This was their response to my question regarding what I would have to do in order to be accepted on their committee. Hi Sally,
Thank you for the request for clarification of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District’s Mission Statement as well as the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Board Diversity Committee’s Vision.
You are correct that part of the district’s “…mission is to provide an excellent, equitable education in a safe, supportive environment so all students will succeed.” I greatly appreciate your thoughts on the word “equity,” as it can be interpreted in many ways. I cannot speak for the board as a whole, but the way that I interpreted it when we reestablished the mission statement in 2019-2020 is similar to the definition from the National School Board Association:
“Equity is achieved when all students receive the resources they need so they graduate prepared for success after high school.”
In regards to the Diversity Committee’s Vision, I was not on the Committee nor the Board when it was established. I personally interpret it as honoring the charter (purpose) of the committee, which can be found on the Diversity Committee’s webpage, amongst other resources that may help define and clarify the committee’s charter.
If you are able to make this commitment, please let me know by the end of the day on December 31, 2023 (note the extended deadline due to the time it took me to respond due to the holidays). If I do not hear back from you by 12/31/23, I will assume you cannot make this commitment and will find a replacement for you. Also, if at any time during your service as a representative of the Diversity Committee, you are unable to uphold the District’s Mission and the Diversity Committee’s Vision, you will no longer be able to serve as a representative of the Diversity Committee, and a replacement will be found to serve in your absence.
FNSBSD’S MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to provide an excellent, equitable education in a safe, supportive environment so all students will succeed and contribute to a diverse and changing society.
DIVERSITY COMMITTEE VISION:
Students, parents/guardians, staff, and community stakeholders at the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District envision learning without boundaries, recognizing, respecting, and celebrating differences. Whether our differences are skin color, language, culture, ethnicity, religion, family structure, skill level, challenges or development, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or socio-economic status or condition, we will ensure all students have the opportunity to realize their lifelong learning potential.
Thank you again for your email. I hope the resources above have provided clarity to you.
-Erin Morotti