Newton Public Schools introduces new “Affinity Group Coordinator” positions to help manage “LGBTQ+” and “Staff of Color” affinity groups

On March 27, 2025, Newton Public Schools’ “Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” sent an email to staff “to announce an opportunity to support and strengthen our staff affinity groups across the district.” She explained that the district is introducing “Affinity Group Coordinator” positions with the help of a “DESE Teacher Diversification Grant.” This grant was created by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Affinity groups are groups of people who share a certain identity or characteristic, such as race and sexual orientation.

These new positions will “provide dedicated leadership, ensuring consistency, access to resources, and administrative support to enhance the impact of these groups.” All staff are encouraged to apply for these positions. The DEI director provided job descriptions for both a “Staff of Color Affinity Group Coordinator” and “LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity Group Coordinator.”

The LGBTQ+ Staff Affinity Group Coordinator job description explained the district is looking for six people to fill this position as coordinators for LGBTQ+ affinity groups with two for elementary school, two for middle school, and two for high school. Employees who accept the position will receive a $300 stipend. Responsibilities include scheduling meetings every month, developing an agenda for each meeting, working with DEI director to host two annual districtwide meetings, and “host impromptu safe spaces in response to district, state, or national incidents.”

The Staff of Color Affinity Group Coordinator job description also explained the district is looking for six people to fill this position as coordinators for “Staff of Color” affinity groups with two for elementary school, two for middle school, and two for high school. Employees who accept the position will receive a $300 stipend. Responsibilities include scheduling meetings every month, developing an agenda for each meeting, working with DEI director to host two annual districtwide meetings, and “host impromptu safe spaces in response to district, state, or national incidents.”