Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Reporting & Policies
A revised Code of Conduct policy is currently under development, with input from the community and students, and is on track to be presented to the BOE at an upcoming meeting.
The policy defines key terms and outlines potential infractions and a range of consequences to enable transparency, clarity and predictable outcomes while reflecting the values of our community and adhering to the law.
The policy will continue to be discussed at the following upcoming public meetings:
Student Incident Reporting: Our Commitment to DEIB and Safety
At Westport Public Schools, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members, especially when incidents challenge our dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Our approach to handling such incidents is comprehensive and rooted in the principles of restorative justice and education. Here’s how we address incidents to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all:
1. Prioritizing Safety
The immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of the individual affected by the incident. We ensure they receive the necessary support and care to address any harm experienced.
2. Gathering Facts
A thorough investigation is conducted to understand the incident accurately. This step is crucial for determining the appropriate response and ensuring fairness in the process.
3. Educational Response
Education plays a pivotal role in our approach. The student responsible for the offense is provided with guidance on why their actions were harmful and how they can contribute positively to the community moving forward.
4. Communication with Stakeholders
Transparency is key. We inform all relevant parties about the incident and the steps being taken to address it, ensuring that our community is aware of our commitment to maintaining a respectful environment.
5. Consequences and Accountability
Implementing appropriate consequences for actions that go against our DEIB values is essential. This step underscores the importance of accountability within our school community.
6. Restoration and Healing
Efforts to repair the relationship between the parties involved are a critical part of our process. We facilitate conversations and actions that aim to restore trust and understanding, reinforcing our commitment to a cohesive community.
7. Reflection and Improvement
Finally, the incident is reviewed with our school-based team to extract lessons and feedback. This debriefing helps us refine our approach, ensuring we continue to respond effectively to similar incidents in the future.
This structured approach underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for every member of our school community. By addressing incidents with a focus on education, restoration, and accountability, we strive to foster a culture of respect and understanding that celebrates the diversity of our community.
