• What is the Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards?

      The Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards (OEI/PS) is comprised of two main areas, Civil Rights and Equity, and Professional Standards.  We support goals 1, 3, and 4 of the С³óߣ Strategic Plan. Our main areas of responsibility are enforcement, compliance, and prevention. 

      Our ultimate responsibility is to our students, their health, safety, and well-being. With this commitment in mind, we support all employees who have contact with students in Duval County Public Schools. 

      The Principles of Professional Conduct state:

      The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards is the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

      The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The educator will, therefore, strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

      Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct. 

    • Enforcement and Compliance

      The Office of Equity and Inclusion/Professional Standards aims to improve education and skill-building for students and staff in order to create a safe environment, free from discrimination, harassment, and threats of violence or abuse.

      In addition, we address underlying issues in the school and workplace that can cause discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the school and workplace.

      We also deliver key information to students and staff about district civil rights policies and procedures, federal and state-mandated laws, ethics, and the standard of professional behavior expected in school and the workplace.

    • Prevention

      We aim to help eliminate the opportunity gap by fostering respect for and celebration of our diversity, promote cultural unity, individual growth, and classroom and workplace harmony.

      In addition, OEI/PS works with Human Resources Staffing, Professional Development, Teacher Development and Support, and other divisions within the district to develop and implement an integrated professional development plan and incorporate proven, best practices that are aligned with the District’s core belief and commitment to diversity, equity, and its strategic plan.