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Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hamilton Southeastern Schools

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) seeks to ensure that everything we do District-wide—learning and teaching, strategic planning, hiring, professional learning, technology, operations and communications—considers diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Nataki Pettigrew, joined the District in January 2021 as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Pettigrew, a parent of three children (two in the district), previously served as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Special Services Director, School Administrator, and ELA teacher.  
 
Dr. Pettigrew will continue to lead the development of HSE Schools’ inclusive practices and fulfill the district’s commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting a diverse staff and educating a diverse student body. Additionally, the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer position, created in 2018, will provide professional development and training for stakeholders to improve an inclusive, supportive culture.

Please use this section of the website to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Hamilton Southeastern Schools and to guide your knowledge about how you can support DEI in our schools, our community and our world.   


Dr. Nataki Pettigrew

Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer 

npettigrew@hse.k12.in.us

In Hamilton Southeastern Schools we define equity as the concept of giving each individual what is needed to succeed within our global society.

Cultural studies demonstrate that students need to feel identity-safe within educational settings in order to experience success. Identity-safe spaces affirm the strengths of students and allow them to be their authentic selves.

Given that research, assessment data, and qualitative studies convey that identity safety significantly influences teaching and learning, student diversity challenges us to explore ways to bridge cultural differences and devise responsive practices that affirm the identities of each learner. Each student deserves a school where educators teach inclusively and dismantle barriers that prohibit students from being their authentic selves.

Resources

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