Hinsdale D86 Axing DEI Position, Explains Why

DARIEN, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 is doing away with its position devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion.

This is happening as the Trump administration is targeting DEI programs nationwide.

Last month, the board voted to let go its director of equity and inclusion, Chris Biddix, when his contract expires in June. He was hired two years ago.

As part of a reorganization, the district is eliminating not only Biddix's post, but also the director of instruction and innovations position.

Both of those officials have reported to the assistant superintendent for academics.

In their place will be directors of professional learning at both Hinsdale Central and South, both of whom would report to their respective principals.

"I know that diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, is in the middle of a national reckoning, and I'm happy to leave it at that," Superintendent Michael Lach said at Thursday's school board meeting. "I've always thought that the more diverse we are, the more powerful we are, the more honest and courageous we can be, the more impactful we can be."

With the new positions, Lach said, the schools will do essentially the same work.

"I think it's going to make our equity and (social-emotional) work strong," he said. "It centers that work in our school buildings, where the necessary relationships exist to drive improvements. I don't want that stuff to be centered in two different roles. I want that to be part of everyone's job."