Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

What is the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility?

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility is a department of the Easton Public Schools that works to ensure that all students, employees, and families learn and work in an environment free of bias or discrimination.

What does the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility do?

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility responds to concerns regarding possible bias-based conduct based upon one’s membership in a protected class, such as ethnicity, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. We work to promote equitable, inclusive practices throughout the EPS community. As part of this mission, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility supports and trains EPS employees on how to recognize and address possible bias-based conduct or other potential inequities.

When should I contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility?

You should contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility any time you feel you experienced or witnessed possible bias-based conduct while you are attending or working in a Easton Public school, or participating in other school or school-sponsored activities. If you are not sure whether the behavior might constitute an equity issue, please contact us and ask.

Who can contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility?

Any member of the EPS community or person who interacts with the Easton Public Schools is welcome to contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility. This includes students, parents/guardians, staff members, and visitors.

Are my conversations with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility confidential?

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility maintains confidentiality to the extent possible. Depending on the circumstances, our investigation or other steps to address the matter may require us to discuss the incident with various individuals. Anyone who reports possible bias-based conduct, or is a witness, is protected against any form of retaliation. If any employee, student, or parent feels he or she has experienced retaliation for speaking up about bias, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility immediately.

Where can I find the EPS Equity policies?

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility website at https://eastonmaschools.org/deia/ provides all Equity policies.

As students, what groups are protected from bias?

Students are protected from bias based on race, color, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, retaliation, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, or homelessness.

As employees, what groups are protected from bias?

Employees are protected from bias based on race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, retaliation, sexual orientation, genetics or military status.