The West Windsor‑Plainsboro Regional School District Board of Education voted March 18 to adopt a statement that reaffirms the district’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI), saying the language reflects the district mission and state legal protections.

Board President Graylin read the adopted statement, which says the district “cultivates a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community where every individual is valued, respected, celebrated, and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect” and explicitly lists protected characteristics. The statement cites the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and guidance from the New Jersey attorney general.

Nut graf: Administration and speakers framed the resolution as both a values statement and a fiscal safeguard. The superintendent and equity staff said federal executive actions and recent U.S. Department of Education guidance have created the possibility of reduced federal grants tied to programs that use DEI language; the district said it budgeted contingencies to protect programs even if federal funding changes.

What administrators described
Chief equity officer Sutitaro (as named in the presentation) outlined district strategies for belonging and inclusion: dual‑language immersion, inclusive playgrounds, affinity clubs, expanded curriculum offerings (AP African American Studies and courses on Asian American Pacific Islander history) and expanded family outreach such as English‑language‑learner family nights and a Parent Link program. Pema Nadang, identified in the presentation as the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, described programs she has led including prom‑shop expansion, multilingual summer camp and partnerships with local faith leaders and community organizations.

Administrators said the district’s DEI work is integrated into its four strategic goals and that federal grant funding supports curriculum, intervention (Orton‑Gillingham and MTSS), multilingual learner programs and Title I services. They warned that federal guidance and “dear colleague” letters from the U.S. Department of Education — which have no binding statutory force but can affect grant eligibility — could put some federal funding streams at risk, and noted the district has budgeted to mitigate that risk.

Public comment and board response
Several employees, parents and community members spoke in favor of the statement. Christine Capasse, identified as a district educator and parent, described inclusionary policies (all‑gender bathrooms, specialized programs for exceptional learners) and said the resolution was a promise to families. Sam Hendrickson, who identified himself as Capasse’s husband and a retired school administrator, said supporting students’ authenticity is a moral imperative. Carl Cooper, a district employee, said staff stand with administration and the board.

Ending: The board approved the resolution by roll call during the meeting; the administration said the language is intended to preserve programs and services in the event of federal funding changes and to reflect the district’s stated mission and strategic goals.