Newton Public Schools has equity statement promoting affinity groups for students; mandates anti-racism training for teachers

Newton Public Schools has a “Statement of Values & Commitment to Equity” posted online that states “all members of the NPS community must actively dismantle structures rooted in racism and replace them with systems and structures that lead to more equitable outcomes for all students.” The statement can be found on a district webpage titled “New Educator Induction & Mentoring.” The district explains in this statement that equity initiatives will be prioritized moving forward.

According to the statement, the district will “provide affinity spaces for our students and families of color to engage in dialogue about their shared experiences.” The school district will also implement affirmative action into hiring by revising “our hiring practices to be more inclusive and accessible to candidates of color, and support retention with ongoing administrative and structural support, including investing in mentorship, affinity spaces, and leadership opportunities to enhance success.”

The district will additionally create “culturally responsive instruction” because “an antiracist curriculum benefits all students.” This is an effort to “root-out institutional and internalized racism and bias.” The district explains that “the work of antiracism requires a commitment to be actively conscious about race and racism and to take actions to end racial inequities in our daily lives.”

In the district’s “Induction & Mentoring Program Handbook” for the 2024-2025 school year, the district explains that due to an agreement with the Newton Teachers Association, there will be a certain amount of professional development programs offered to teachers at no cost. New teachers are mandated to participate in professional development programs on the topics of “Anti Racism Learning,” “Culturally Responsive Instruction,” and “Social Emotional Learning” within their first five years of the job.