MSLBD SUPPORTS THOSE WHO SERVE A DIVERSE GROUP OF STUDENTS
MSLBD fosters leadership among professionals who serve students with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges who also often have experienced marginalization in various ways.
THE IMPACT OF MARGINALIZATION
Learners who experience emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges come from diverse backgrounds. Many of those students have experienced marginalization related to race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, and socioeconomic status and background. This marginalization has impacted students’ educational opportunities, discipline experiences, and overall life outcomes.
AS AN ORGANIZATION, WHAT ARE WE DOING?
In our projects, activities, relationships, and advocacy, MSLBD strives for equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for and with these students.
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A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee was established in July 2020.
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As in many educational institutions and settings, we recognize the need for more diversity. In April 2022 we completed a survey and analysis of MSLBD leadership. We found that we need to more actively seek greater diversity of voices.
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MSLBD revised the mission statement to strengthen the goal of equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for students.
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Valuing the idea that educational leaders from diverse backgrounds are more likely to have understanding and insight about diverse learners, we embrace voices that enrich our projects and activities.
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The DEI committee is engaging with MSLBD Leadership teams including the Awards committee, Rethinking Behavior online magazine, the Symposium Break-out committee, The Richard Simpson autism conference committee, the Board and Planning Committee, and the Poster Committee.
THE EMPHASIS OF OUR WORK
While the focus of our work has been on racial diversity, inclusion, and equity, our endeavors include a growing focus on cultural inclusion in gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, and socioeconomic status and background.
DURATION OF OUR DEI EFFORTS
The systemic and historic nature of marginalization suggests that, across our culture, these efforts require persistence, concrete actions by organizations, and personal work by individuals. We will continue to work intentionally to unravel these challenges so we are better able to support our students in attaining lives of meaning, dignity, and joy.
