Elmhurst D205 Hopeful Opposes DEI; Others Back It

ELMHURST, IL – Four candidates for the Elmhurst School District 205 board back diversity, equity and inclusion programs, known as DEI.

Another hopeful is opposed.

At a League of Women Voters forum last week, candidates were asked whether they support the district's DEI policy.

Board President Athena Arvanitis said she supported an "inclusive, warm, welcoming environment" for students.

"For me, the response is really about kids, and all kids have the right to opportunity," she said.

Candidate John Bishof said when it comes to children, he was all about diversity and inclusion. Students should be educated about how to deal with people of different backgrounds, he said.

Brian Bresnahan, another candidate, agreed. He said the district needs to have tough conversations with the public about what equity looks like.

Candidate Nicole Slowsinki said dismantling DEI programs often hurts a school's most vulnerable populations.

However, candidate Tom Chavez, who has spoken at school board meetings for years, said he was glad that DEI programs were disappearing.

"We talk about a welcoming and inclusive environment," Chavez said. "My kids are Hispanic. All of them went through District 205. I've always asked my kids how did people treat you based on skin color, and they never had a problem."

He said DEI programs sounded good, but they require using race as a way to treat certain people.

The candidates were also asked about whether critical race theory was being taught in District 205.

The theory has been around for four decades and examines societal issues through the lens of race. Proponents see racism as part of legal systems and policies, not just the result of individual prejudice.

In 2021, it became a lightning rod among conservatives. They say that while the theory may not be taught by its formal name, representations of it exist in public schools nonetheless.

During board meetings four years ago, Chavez accused the district of teaching critical race theory.

At the forum, Chavez said no course topic in District 205 is labeled "critical race theory."

"But the curriculum is based on race," he said. "Our kids should learn about the history of the country. But the way critical race theory is taught is divisive and is not helping our kids feel more welcome. It's actually dividing kids, and it needs to be gone."

He also noted his opposition to the board's hiring of a company to provide "Deep Equity" training.

The other candidates, including Arvanitis, said the theory was not being taught in local schools.

"It seems to be more of a false flag that people claim critical race theory is being taught or abused in some way, shape or form when they don't like the topic being taught," Bishof said.

Slowsinski said, "Unfortunately, I think critical race theory is highly misunderstood and has become politicized."

The five candidates are vying for three school board seats. The election is April 1.