As we embark on a new academic year filled with possibilities and growth, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our dedicated staff, valued students, and supportive families. It is with enthusiasm that I greet you and share our vision for fostering an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students, staff, and families.
At Easton Public Schools, we recognize that each individual brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and talents that enrich our community. Our commitment to equity extends beyond words—it’s a driving force that guides our actions. Together, we will nurture a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
As the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility, I am here to listen, support, and guide our community in this important work. Please feel free to reach out to me with your ideas, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we will make a lasting impact and create a legacy of inclusivity.
Thank you for the warm welcome into the Easton Public Schools’ diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility District Commitment. Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and meaningful connections.
Sincerely,
Carols I. Perez, J.D.
Mrs. Carols Perez provides professional leadership in designing and delivering a relevant, rigorous, learning experience in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. Mrs. Perez shares Easton Public Schools’ commitment to empowering students and educators to embrace curiosity, think critically, develop positive relationships, and exhibit resilience, which is critical to advancing the District’s equity work towards becoming an inclusive and anti-biased school system. Additionally, she will create and manage ongoing professional learning experiences for teachers, staff, and administrators. Oversee equitable access, process, treatment, and student outcomes; by partnering with students, families, and community members in a collective effort intentionally focusing on dismantling systemic racism.
Mrs. Perez’s work also includes providing consultation and coaching to school and district leaders regarding bias-based incidents, accommodation requests, and other equity-related matters.
In collaboration with the Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Special Services, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility will inspire staff and collaborate with many stakeholders to support the needs of all students to ensure equal access to all programs.
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.
More information coming soon!
To find out more about our partnerships, please click the images below!
We would also like to thank Easton SEPAC for their continuous partnership, support, and resources!
Easton Middle School:
School on Wheels Club
GSA
Oliver Ames High School:
Best Buddies Club
Gender Sexuality Alliance Club
Multicultural Club
DEI Student Advisory Council
Club United
Empowering Stories
We cordially invite you to join us for our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Blanche Ames Elementary School. This meeting will provide an open platform for us to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity, inclusion, and equality.
During the meeting, we will have the opportunity to hear from District leaders on where the district is currently and we hope to go. Additionally, we encourage active participation from all attendees, as we value the diverse perspectives and voices within our community.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me, Carols Perez, cperez@easton.k12.ma.us.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. MASSHealth Non Discrimination information found HERE