Equity Gets the Axe: Board Votes to Remove Key Language from Climate Survey Policy
The Hardyston Board of Education sparks controversy by removing "equity and inclusivity" from a new school climate policy - but do board members really understand what those words mean for students?
At the July 8 meeting, the Hardyston Board passed first reading of a school climate survey policy - but only after removing two words that matter: equity and inclusivity.
Board member Tony Alfano admitted he was the one who removed the terms, saying:
“I took that out because I didn’t like it. My equity and inclusion is to include two students in each school to be part of the survey.”
If you’re not in education policy every day, that may sound like harmless wording cleanup. But as board member Nick Demsak pointed out, equity isn’t a partisan slogan - it’s making sure each student gets what they need to succeed.
“Equity means students get treated the same as everybody else,” Demsak explained. “Inclusivity means they feel accepted and invited in to participate… I don’t understand why that’s bad.”
Demsak made a motion to restore the original language, but it failed 4-3. The revised version of the policy - stripped of “equity” and “inclusivity” - passed its first reading.
And that’s why people raised eyebrows. This survey is supposed to measure student experience. Stripping out language tied to fairness and belonging cuts at the purpose of the survey itself.
Complicating matters further was the question of cost. The policy encourages the board to “first endeavor” to use an independent third-party vendor. Some board members questioned the financial impact of that clause, and whether it could obligate the district to spend money it hadn’t budgeted.
Board President Donna Carey claimed that free third-party vendors existed - but when asked to provide examples, she was unable to name any during the meeting.
“You’re making a policy that now forces the district to do something,” one board member said, “but you’re saying the vendor should do it for free?”
This isn’t just drafting. It’s values.
In a school context, “equity” and “inclusivity” come down to basic questions: Are students treated fairly? Do they feel welcome? Does every child have a real chance to thrive?
There’s still time to revise the policy before its second reading and final vote. But unless the board grounds its decisions in the lived reality of students, rather than assumptions and word discomfort, the final product may end up measuring very little - and meaning even less.