New Hanover County School Board Grapples with DEI, AI Security Pilot
controversial votes highlight divisions over diversity policies and cutting-edge security measures.
WILMINGTON, N.C.– The New Hanover County Board of Education found itself deeply divided this week, navigating contentious issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the potential implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI) security pilot program across district schools. The debates, reflecting national trends in education policy, underscored the challenges of balancing safety concerns with ideological differences.
DEI Policies Under Scrutiny
In a vote that cleaved along party lines, with Democrats Judy Justice and Tim Merrick dissenting, the board approved the removal of references to “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion,” as well as “gender identity,” from several key policies, including policies 1310, 3000, 3130, 3420, and 7130.These changes sparked heated discussion,with some board members arguing the removals signaled a broader shift away from inclusivity.
Board member Tim Merrick raised concerns about the implications of these changes:
When we take away the word ‘equity,’ when we take away the word ‘diversity,’ we are telling something to the public. We are telling something to our students. We are telling people who are already feeling marginalized.
Merrick highlighted that while previous executive orders from the Trump governance targeted the implementation of DEI programs that might infringe upon individual rights,they did not explicitly ban the use of the terms themselves. He argued that removing these terms could send a negative message to both students and the broader community.
Policy 6220 also faced scrutiny. The board ultimately voted 5-2,again with Justice and Merrick dissenting,against explicitly defining discrimination as excluding “biological sex.” Instead, they opted to retain the term “sex,” which, according to the board’s attorney, Norwood Blanchard, would encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, based on the Fourth Circuit’s interpretation in cases like Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board.
Norwood Blanchard, Board Attorney
I don’t see the need to qualify ’sex’ by just saying ‘biological sex.’ If you believe it’s biological sex, well, you’re already covered by just the term ‘sex.’ there’s no additional benefit to qualifying that by saying ‘biological sex.’
Board member David Perry initially pushed for the inclusion of “biological sex” but ultimately requested the removal of all protected class specifications from the advertising policy.Blanchard cautioned against this move, warning that it could limit the board’s ability to regulate offensive advertising, citing the hypothetical example of the Ku Klux Klan advertising at a school event.
Ultimately, the board voted to postpone further discussion of the advertising policy, sending it back to the policy committee for further review. This decision underscores the complexities and sensitivities involved in navigating these issues.
| Policy Number | Description | Key Change | Vote Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1310, 3000, 3130, 3420, 7130 | various policies related to non-discrimination and equity | Removal of references to “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” and “gender identity” | Passed 5-2 |
| 6220 | Policy on discrimination | Retained “sex” instead of specifying “biological sex” | Passed 5-2 |
AI security Pilot Sparks Debate
Prior to the policy discussions, board member Pat Bradford attempted to introduce a discussion regarding the AI security pilot. This occurred after the board previously voted against the state-funded initiative, which proposed integrating AI technology into the district’s existing camera systems. The AI plug-in was designed to detect potential emergencies, such as students fleeing in a coordinated manner or the presence of a weapon, and automatically trigger alerts.
The initial vote against the pilot program was 4-3, with Chair Melissa Mason and board member David Perry joining democrats Tim Merrick and Judy Justice in opposition. A primary concern was the perceived untrustworthiness of Eviden, the Paris-based AI company selected for the pilot program.
According to Chair Mason, her decision was influenced by a conversation with Davidson County school board chair Nick Jarvis, who indicated that Eviden had been hesitant to agree to a third-party audit—a condition set by the Davidson County board. However, Superintendent greggory Slate clarified that Eviden was actively working with legal counsel to finalize the third-party risk assessment for Davidson County Schools.
Despite this clarification, board members who voted against the pilot remained unconvinced.
Judy Justice, Board Member
I did it as it was not the best company. The money was a huge question, and I know that there’s better ways to use that kind of money. It wasn’t just given to us, plus that company could have just fallen apart the way it was being run.
Chair Mason echoed these concerns, stating:
Melissa Mason, Board Chair
The conversations I had with multiple individuals, alongside my own personal research, raised more questions than answers, and while I believe that there is potential for AI to benefit us in the future, I feel it’s crucial that maintain the autonomy to choose both the company and the process through which it is implemented.
| AI Security Pilot | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Eviden (Paris-based) |
| Purpose | Integrate AI into existing camera systems to detect potential emergencies |
| Initial Vote | Rejected 4-3 |
| Concerns | Company trustworthiness, third-party audit, data privacy, and potential bias |
Looking Ahead
The decisions made by the New Hanover County Board of Education reflect the complex challenges facing school districts across the country. Balancing concerns about safety, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility requires careful consideration and open dialog. As the board moves forward, it will be critical to address the concerns raised by all stakeholders and ensure that policies are implemented in a manner that is both effective and equitable.
How do the New Hanover County school Board’s changes to DEI policies align with the district’s mission statement and goals for student success?
New Hanover County School Board Divided: Interview on DEI and AI Security
Archyde News Editor sits down with Dr. Eleanor Vance, Education Policy Analyst, to discuss the recent developments.
Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance
Archyde News Editor: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. The New Hanover County School Board has been making headlines. Let’s start with the changes to DEI policies.Can you summarize the key shifts and their potential impact?
dr. vance: Certainly. The board removed mentions of “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” and “gender identity” from several policies. This signals a notable shift, as it could impact how the district addresses issues of inclusivity and potentially affect programs designed to support diverse student populations. The immediate impact might be seen in curriculum and staff training materials.
Archyde News Editor: The board also debated advertising policies, with the recent issue involving potential Klux Klan advertising. How might these actions be connected?
Dr. vance: The advertising policy discussion is critical. It highlights the board’s struggle to balance free speech with the need to create a welcoming and safe environment for all students. the postponement of further discussion shows how sensitive and complex these issues are.
Archyde News Editor: Shifting gears to the AI security pilot, what are the core concerns you see regarding its implementation, given the rejection by the board initially?
Dr. Vance: The primary concerns are about the trustworthiness of the AI company, Eviden, and its commitment to a third-party audit. Additionally,data privacy and the potential for bias,particularly in facial recognition technology,are crucial issues.A pilot program like this needs to be vetted thoroughly to build public trust. It’s about the company but also the technology itself and the safety of the students and the way it will be implemented.
archyde News Editor: Board members like Judy Justice cited cost as a concern. In the context of limited school budgets, how do districts decide weather the benefits of AI security outweigh the financial investment?
Dr.Vance: It’s a tough decision. Districts must carefully evaluate the potential return on investment. Thay have to assess how effective the AI will be in enhancing safety,weighed against the costs of installation,maintenance,and the potential for unintended consequences. It’s a trade-off between security enhancement and responsible fiscal management. And I believe these budget concerns are especially important as the community has a right to know the budget of the school.
Archyde News Editor: The article mentions the potential for AI to provide early warning of threats. What are some of the ethical considerations that districts must consider as they integrate this technology?
Dr. Vance: One significant consideration is privacy.How is student data collected, stored, and used? Districts must implement robust privacy policies and comply with all relevant regulations. Another key concern involves bias.AI systems can reflect the biases present in the data they’re trained on, leading to discriminatory outcomes. Schools must ensure that the technology is designed to be fair and equitable for all students. As a secondary point, there’s also the surveillance aspect– is that a concern? How do you find the right balance for this?
Archyde News Editor: looking ahead, what are some further actions the New Hanover County Board of Education should consider to address these issues effectively?
Dr. Vance: The board must facilitate an open dialog with all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students. They should also seek expert input on both DEI initiatives and AI security protocols. Transparency and ongoing monitoring are key. It’s essential to adapt policies and practices based on their lived experience and feedback.
Archyde News Editor: thank you, Dr. Vance, for your insights. It’s critical to understand all aspects. What further questions do you have for the public concerning AI in schools? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
