Laura Parsons

Our country’s history is incomplete without acknowledging the legacy of discrimination and lived experiences of historically marginalized communities. Additionally, Delaware passed a law in 2021 requiring schools to develop and incorporate an African American curriculum for K-12 public schools. Nonetheless, some schools have adopted curricula which fail to teach the full history of the treatment of marginalized communities.

Do you commit to adopting curricula which include the perspectives and full histories of all historically marginalized communities?

Book bans in school libraries are misguided attempts to suppress student ability to explore ideas, encounter new perspectives, and learn to think for themselves. These efforts target LGBTQ+ identities and censor discussions about how gender and sexuality impact people’s daily lives under the guise that such topics are not age appropriate.

Will you commit to protecting students’ ability to see themselves represented in the books they’re reading?

The 2023-2024 School Discipline Improvement Plan (SDIP) emphasizes the need to address the disproportionate discipline of Black students, low-income students, male students, and students with disabilities. Schools listed under SDIP are required to submit corrective plans.

How will you work with your district to eliminate excessive, unjust, and exclusionary disciplinary practices?

Research shows that the presence of police officers also known as school resource officers (SROs) can lead to disparate discipline for Black and brown students.

As a school board member, would you oppose adopting or continuing to implement school safety plans which include the use of SROs?

How would you ensure that budgets and other resources are equitably distributed to serve high-needs students (i.e. English language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income households) across a school district and that those financial decisions are more transparent?

A December 2023 independent report, commissioned by the State of Delaware as a result of education funding litigation brought by the ACLU, found that public schools across the state are underfunded by at least $600 million dollars and recommended increased per-pupil funding, transparency, and the flexibility to allocate resources.

What would you propose to ensure districts close the funding deficit to provide a constitutionally adequate education?

School Districts such as Red Clay Consolidated and Christina have implemented policies to create a culture in which transgender and gender diverse students feel safe, supported, and fully included by assuring access to the curriculum, social events, clubs, athletic participation, and all other basic curricular and extracurricular activities.

Will you commit to adopting or expanding policies in your school district which ensure that LGBTQ+ students are fully included in social events, clubs, athletic participation, and all other basic curricular and extracurricular activities?

Immigrant students and their families have the right to access public education without fear of discrimination or intimidation.

Will you support a district-wide policy that protects students’ personal information (including immigration status), provides clear guidance on interacting with ICE, and ensures staff, students, and families are aware of relevant state, school, and community resources?

When staff, students, and families know what the law says, they are better equipped to protect themselves and the school community.

Will you support distributing Know Your Rights resources—specifically related to immigrant and LGTBQ+ protections—in classrooms, offices, school websites and communications, and other easily accessible locations?

Over the past few decades, many immigrants have chosen to make Delaware their home and have become vital members of our schools.

Will you ensure that students and families with limited English proficiency have access to translated classroom materials and in-person translators for school meetings and events?