Illinois Math and Science Academy Faces Backlash Over Equity Training Requirements for Teachers
Teachers at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) are facing mandatory meetings with “Equity Instruction Coaches” as part of the school’s efforts to enforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
According to emails obtained by the watchdog group Parents Defending Education (PDE), teachers at the public boarding school for grades 10-12 are required to undergo DEI-related training when it is revealed they have violated the school’s DEI policies. One scenario highlighted by PDE involved a teacher being required to undergo coaching for incorrect pronoun usage.
In an email sent in 2023 by IMSA’s DEI officer Adrienne Coleman, it was stated that while there was no evidence of bias, there was a “lack of inclusion” by the teacher who used the wrong pronouns when referring to students.
“In this instance, while you were proactive in collecting students names and pronouns, IMSA students still felt uncomfortable and unsafe due to incorrect pronoun usage,” the email read.
Following this email, the teacher was prompted to “engage in a coaching session around gender and sexuality, as well as appropriate use of pronouns,” with an “Equity Instructional Coach.”
In a statement to the Daily Wire, who first reported on the matter, ISMA said that the academy is “committed to maintaining a learning environment that is inclusive and supportive of all students, regardless of an individual’s race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, disability or physical or mental ability, veteran’s status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, and/or other characteristics protected by applicable law.”
“The goal of coaching conversations and educational conversations in gender bias is to raise awareness and promote understanding and empathy.” the school claimed.
However, critics argue that so-called “DEI training” has no place in K-12 schools and is counterproductive to a proper learning environment for children.
“These systems have no place in K-12 schools and are antithetical to a healthy educational environment,” said Rhyen Staley, a researcher for PDE. “It is deeply concerning to see a system in place that promotes reporting fellow students and staff for facial expressions and thought crimes. It is a tragedy that students are subjected to such draconian measures in the name of ‘safety’ and ‘equity.’”
