During the July 12, 2022, Saline School Board meeting, Superintendent Steve Laatsch delineated “results of Saline’s latest efforts to examine its culture via a handful of ‘listening sessions,'” reported Martin Slagter  for mLive this morning.

Families who had experienced harm, bias or discrimination were invited to share their students’ experiences, along with those who expressed in a district survey their interest in participating.

By way of comprehensive examination, the feature went on to note: “Regarding religious beliefs, students noted they do not feel safe in their beliefs and are fearful of expressing or identifying as who they are, in terms of sharing with the class or writing about it.

Some also said they believe teachers have not always welcomed students’ dissenting religious and conservative viewpoints during school discussions, writing and projects.

There is also a feeling among some that diversity, equity and inclusion is more divisive than uniting, and students would not participate in or support religious or conservative affinity groups out of fear of isolation ….

See “‘Heartbreaking’ themes revealed in diversity, equity, inclusion work in Saline schools,” accessible free-of-charge.