Multicultural Statement

The Bennington Public Schools is committed to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and community stakeholders.

MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

The Bennington Public Schools is dedicated to assisting students in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are necessary for living and working in a global society. Our school community fosters an environment where students and staff recognize, affirm, and respect diversity and social interdependence. The diversity in our world provides an opportunity to understand differing values, customs, and experiences. We are committed to eliminating prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes of all kinds. The Bennington Public Schools’ policies, programs, and activities promote and support the goals of multicultural education.

Definitions

Diversity
All the ways in which individuals are similar and different that impact and influence interactions with one another. Includes but is not limited to race, color, ethnicity, nationality, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, genetic information, and learner characteristics.

Equity
The guarantee of fair, quality educational access, opportunity, and outcome while identifying and eliminating barriers that have prevented the full inclusion of under-served and under-represented populations.

Inclusion
Intentionally involving representation from under-served and under-represented populations into processes, activities, and decision-making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources.

Guiding Principles for Multicultural Education in the Bennington Public Schools:

● Create and nurture an inclusive and welcoming environment;

● Support students in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are necessary for living and working in a diverse society;

● Recognize and affirm diversity and social interdependence;

● Understand and respect differing values and customs of racial and cultural groups and strive to work together to eliminate prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping;

● Seek and amplify the voices of students, staff, families, and community members, to support the academic, physical, social and emotional growth of learners;

● Examine biases to interrupt inequitable practices and to promote inclusive school environments;

● Create opportunities for students to achieve academically and socially in an educational environment in which students and staff gain respect for the diversity and interdependence of society members;

● Design and implement curriculum and pedagogy that promotes appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion and allows students to see themselves in their schooling;

● Provide students with equitable access to a high-quality curriculum, effective teachers and principals, support facilities, and sufficient support services;

● Recruit and retain diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional, and support personnel;

● Provide professional development for all employees to identify, examine and eliminate institutional beliefs, policies, and practices that perpetuate discrimination

Bennington Public Schools

11620 N 156th Street, Bennington, NE 68007

Phone 402-238-3044| Fax

Notice of Non-Discrimination The Bennington Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Mrs. Whitney Fagan, Director of Student Services, 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 ([email protected]). Employees and Others: Dr. Matt Blomenkamp, Assistant Superintendent 11620 North 156th Street, P.O. Box 309, Bennington, NE 68007 (402) 238-3044 ([email protected]). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact the OCR at 601 East 12th Street, Room 353, Kansas City, MO 64106, (800) 368-1019 (voice), Fax (816) 426-3686, (800) 537-7697 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or [email protected]. TITLE IX The Bennington Public School District is committed to offering employment and educational opportunity to its employees and students in a climate free of discrimination. Accordingly, unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation of any kind by District employees, including, co-workers, non-employees (such as volunteers), third parties and others is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.