Garfield Heights City Schools Continues Deploying Next Phase of Diversity and Inclusion Training

The Garfield Heights City Schools is continuing its dedication to diversity and inclusion training among its faculty and staff with the launch of its next-phase initiative at the High School. Promoted by district leadership in conjunction with Garfield Heights City Schools alumnus, Michael Douglas, the full staff of Garfield Heights High School recently participated in a 90-minute presentation and open dialogue regarding race relations, diversity training and cultural competency. Mr. Douglas is the Chief Diversity Officer of Walsh University and the Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Initiatives, Inc. Mr. Douglas, who has worked in the district for the last several years, continued his emphasis on embedding the significance of sensitivity to relevant cultural issues facing our shared community at the local, state and national level. This next-phase initiative at the high school builds upon the foundation of diversity training that has been deliberately advanced at Garfield Heights Middle School and the district’s three elementary schools over the last three years. “We’re offering all classified, certified and administrative staff in the GHCS more tools in the toolbox to prepare for enhanced cultural competency,” said Mr. Douglas, who is a member of the Garfield Heights High School Class of 1984 and who is a veteran expert in assisting private and public organizations in advancing positive interactions across racial, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. “This training is designed to elevate staff awareness about the community around them.” Through a series of anticipated large group and small group exercises and workshops for staff throughout the school year, the district intends to continue solidifying the importance of diversity and inclusion training among its entire staff. Click here for pictures of the training meeting.

For more information regarding the ongoing diversity and inclusion training in the Garfield Heights City Schools, please feel free to contact the district’s main phone number at 216-475-8100. The Board takes seriously its commitment to maintaining an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, economic status, age, disability or military status. A copy of the Board’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy can be found on the website under the non-discrimination tab. For more information about the Board’s policy, feel free to contact compliance officers, Chris Hanke or Brooke Pillets at 216-475-8100.