OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Oshkosh Area School District has officially found its newest diversity leader.
Wednesday night’s approval comes just weeks after a local racial equity advocacy organization released an analysis, which says racial disparities in Oshkosh schools exceed statewide averages.
Anthony Miller Jr. is now the Oshkosh Area School District’s first director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“So, technically, July 5, we’ll get the ground running in ways that I think are just going to be a significant boost to our ability to serve all families here in Oshkosh,” said Bryan Davis, superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District.
The district says nothing specifically prompted the decision in adding this role, but it aims to identify and start addressing an area in need of improvement.
“We know that this position is going to be critically important as we’re reaching out to students and families and community partners who are strong advocates for all of our students but specifically some marginalized groups in our community,” said Davis.
A new group called REAL Oshkosh recently released a report on racial discipline disparities in OASD.
To view REAL Oshkosh’s full analysis, click here.
Jennifer Considine, an Oshkosh parent and member of REAL, says REAL stands for “Racial Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership.”
“My son’s best friend, his parents are organizers of the group, and they have been drawing attention to some of the opportunity gaps in the district, particularly students of color.”
According to the report, Wisconsin tops the nation in suspension rates — disciplining 34% of Black high school students, while only a 4% suspension rate for white students.
“I think it’s particularly disappointing because each number is a kid and a family member,” said Considine.
Black, Hispanic and mixed-race students have been expelled and suspended at higher rates in Oshkosh compared to white students in recent years. The disparities in Oshkosh are also higher than those in nearby districts.
“We want to see those systemic issues removed so that our kids have just as much of an opportunity for education as much as the other kids,” said Lakeisha Haase, also an Oshkosh parent and member of REAL Oshkosh.
The suspension rate for Black middle school students in Oshkosh (155%) was 4.5 times the rate in Appleton (34%) and 8.6 times the rate in Fond du Lac (18%). It calculated rates by dividing the number of all suspensions throughout the school year by enrollment.
Haase says those two districts chosen for comparison were picked for an important reason.
“Those are two areas that have DEI coordinators or directors and they have a system in place that has improved the disparity that the Black and brown children have experienced in their district,” said Haase.
With the addition of Miller as the new director of diversity, equity and inclusion, both Considine and Haase say they’re excited to see some changes within the district.
“How do we promote equity? How do we make sure every kid feels safe and belonginess in our schools and the hiring of the diversity, equity and inclusion tonight is hopefully the step in that right direction,” said Considine.
“I think having these positions will help the district move from the awareness that there’s an issue to action,” said Haase.
Appleton, Fond du Lac, Green Bay and Neenah have all recently incorporated similar positions in their districts.
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