As Denver Public Schools move forward with finalizing a new teacher contract, parental rights groups are raising concerns about inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion provisions in the contract.
Defending Education, Colorado Parent Advocacy Network, and Protect Kids Colorado joined to send a letter to Denver Public Schools and Denver Classroom Teachers Association expressing “deep concern about the inclusion of ideological programming and discriminatory mandates” in the Denver Public Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Not only are these practices terrible for students and staff but they are potentially unlawful, as they often violate federal civil rights law,” the letter said. “DPS and DCTA should focus on improving educational outcomes, supporting teachers in the classroom, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are directed to the success of all students, not political and ideological programming.”
The DPS and DCTA plan to agree to a new contract by Aug. 31. In a joint statement to The Center Square, the DCTA and DPS said they are standing by the contract.
“Denver Public Schools and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association are committed to providing a high-quality education for every student and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all educators,” the statement said. “Equity is a core value of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association and Denver Public Schools. Together, we are working alongside families, community members, and district leaders to ensure that every student has access to qualified, culturally responsive educators, well-resourced classrooms, professional mental health support, and fully-funded schools.”
