Diversity and Inclusivity

Utah PTA Policy on Diversity and Inclusivity 

Utah PTA values differences and similarities in people and is committed to making Utah PTA and its constituent organizations representative of the demographics of the State, Region and Local PTAs through cultural awareness; prompting fairness, understanding, and solution driven practices; and inclusivity and collaboration with home, school, and community. By doing so, we will strengthen the structure of our society through increased parental engagement and student success.  - Adopted January, 2014

Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman

The goal of the Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman should be to promote Inclusivity and leadership opportunities for all demographic groups within a school community. Through collaboration with the PTA Board and committees, the Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman should establish goals and plans which include recognizing and developing opportunities for increasing minority engagement. Through cooperative communication, the Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman will share and encourage cultural awareness and sensitivity in regard to PTA literature, translation, and events. The Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman does not have to be an ethnic minority, but should have an understanding and ability to relate to minority populations. It is recommended they demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills.

PTA works for the best interest of all children. Every PTA person and position strives to be inclusive of all parents and students. Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman works to assure this is happening and that all feel welcome.

Diversity and cultural issues are very sensitive. The Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman works on behalf of PTA representing PTA positions. Diversity and Inclusivity is intended to develop leadership. As a leader, you may hear or experience things that you personally disagree with or believe differently. As a PTA leader, please act in a professional manner, always respecting differences—difference of opinions and diversity.

If you feel an issue needs to be discussed, follow the appropriate PTA channels to address your issue. If you feel a school or district issue needs to be addressed, follow the established chain of command—principal then district administrator. All discussions need to be conducted in a professional and civil manner remembering that ALL are included and welcome – including majority populations.

A Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman should never speak to the media on behalf of a school or PTA. Only elected PTA Board members may do so, and only on behalf of their PTA. If for any reason this becomes necessary, then approval must be obtained from the Region and/or Utah PTA leadership. These guidelines are to protect you, PTA, and your schools.

Objectives for the Diversity and Inclusivity Chairman Œ

• Demonstrate respect and appreciation for all community members (parents, students, teachers, and administrators and community at large). Œ
• Recognize diverse cultural values, norms, and traditions. Œ
• Assist the PTA Board by critically examining the issues, concerns and/or needs of minorities in regard to PTA. Œ
• Contribute to the understanding of minority experiences and share issues/concerns from minorities and the community with the PTA, and help bring minority awareness to PTA. Œ
• Encourage minority parents to engage in PTA dialogue and become involved with PTA. Œ
• Assist PTA President and Board with any cultural and/or ethnic awareness and training needed. Œ
• Support integration for students who identify as a minority, including literature translation, if needed. Œ
• Help build equal representation across activities and events by engaging in and supporting events on behalf of PTA (i.e., back-to-school night, parent/teacher conferences, and cultural activity, etc.). Œ
• Apply and encourage cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity within PTA. Œ
• Individualized resources that your school district and community provide for minority assistance. Develop a relationship with the district pertaining to individualized resources that your school district and community provide for minority assistance. Œ
• Bring awareness that being a minority is not necessarily based on race or ethnicity. Within any school, people may identify themselves as a minority based on many factors, including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, cultural background, language, socio-economic factors, religion, neighborhood in which they live, stage of parenting, work status, military service, male/female, marital status, etc.

Looking for more resources for your PTA on Diversity and Inclusivity?  Check Out National PTA's Local Leader Guide 

Graceful Conversations

A difficult conversation happened over the summer of 2021 with much debate. In August, the Utah State Board of Education approved the rule 277-328 on Educational Equity. Per the rule, they aim for "fostering a learning environment and workplace that are safe and respectful of all students and educators". Also that no student can be made guilty for being a member of a certain group and that all races are equal. Utah PTA encouraged and modeled civility and constructive dialogue by hosting a "Graceful Conversations" webinar.

Our goals for the Graceful Conversation webinar were to:
1) to gain a better understanding of opposing perspectives on this issue
2) to build bridges with other community members
3) to create a resource for parents who want to learn more
We hope this is the first step in a positive dialogue about what our children are learning.  Watch the Recording

PTA is committed to bridging the disparities in our communities by being more diverse, equitable and inclusive in our mission efforts. 

An organization that recognizes diversity values differences and similarities among people through its actions and accountability. These characteristics include age, ethnicity, gender, language and culture, socioeconomic status, among many different things.

When PTAs respect differences yet acknowledge shared commonalities uniting their communities, and then develop meaningful priorities based upon their knowledge, they genuinely represent their communities. When PTAs represent their communities, they gain strength and effectiveness through increased volunteer and resource support.

National PTA has a wealth of information on how to make your PTA more inclusive and how to bridge the gaps in your community.  Explore Inclusion Resources

For more information and resources from Utah PTA, check out the pages below: