Burlington, Vt. - After months of outrage from students and a public apology by the Superintendent, Burlington schools have finally come out with a diversity plan to combat racism. Superintendent Jeanne Collins made the announcement at a news conference, Friday.
The plan involves creating a school climate that does not tolerate racism, educating staff on different cultures, changing the structure of the schools, and recruiting a diverse staff.
Many community members agree with the plan but some argue it comes too late.
"There was a lot of feet dragging," Vince Brennan said.
Brennan is the former Chair of a Diversity Task Force appointed by the school system. The task force came out with a report last October identifying education inequalities for students from Africa.
In April, those students spoke out about blatant racism and academic problems.
"It's not fair that because of our lack of education, because we've only been here for two three years, that because we can't speak the language and we can't read a book that we're categorized as idiots," One student said at a public meeting.
Brennan says Collins would not have acted on this plan without community pressure. Collins, on the other hand, feels she is ready to lead.
"And I guess what's changed for me is, my heart is here. I can no longer keep it behind the walls of an office up on the hill," Collins said.
Some community members have questioned whether Jeanne Collins should continue as superintendent because of the way she handled this situation. Her contract will be negotiated by the Burlington School Board on June 12.
As for the plan, Collins wants to implement it starting this summer and present a strategic plan to the public in the fall.
Click here for the full plan.
