Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential, not divisive

As a mission-driven organization, The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success (The Academy SPS) exists to instill pride in and deepen understanding of African American culture — not as an end in itself, but as a powerful tool to inspire academic achievement, positive behaviors, postsecondary success, and engaged citizenship for our students. This mission is not just a statement on paper. It is the heartbeat of our programs, the foundation of our partnerships, and the standard to which this organization holds itself accountable.

At a time when conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion are too often dismissed as optional — or worse, viewed as divisive, The Academy SPS remains clear: these values are essential. They are the framework through which to uplift young people, empower families, and strengthen the Cedar Rapids communities. To compromise the work that we do would be to compromise the very reason The Academy exists as an organization. Last week the Cedar Rapids School District severed ties with the Academy SPS per orders from the U.S. Department of Education Department of Civil Rights. The OCR does not believe the Academy SPS is compliant with federal laws.

Will this cause the Academy SPS to make changes? Yes. The district was a major funder for the Academy, but more importantly it provided a conduit for identifying students for our programs. What will happen to them now? The changes necessitated by the OCR’s edict will require the Academy to adapt, to rethink how we deliver certain programs, and to reallocate resources. But adaptation is not surrender. The Academy SPS will not dilute its mission or retreat from the work. If anything, these obstacles reaffirm our resolve.

The way forward for any organization — nonprofits in particular — has not been because the way was easy, but because determination outweighed difficulty. That is what we teach our students, and that spirit inspires the Academy’s leadership teams as we face this challenge today. With the continued support of our partners, advocates, and neighbors, this stumbling block may become an inflection point not only toward surviving this moment, but toward building resilience for the future.

To those who stand with The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success: Thank you. Your belief in our mission reminds us that the fight for equity is a collective one. To those just learning about The Academy SPS: Stand with us now. There is room at the table, and your voice matters.

We will continue to show up for our students. We will continue to champion education and culture as catalysts for growth. And we will continue to prove — through action, not rhetoric — that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not optional. They are the way forward.

Dr. Ruth E. White, is the founder and executive director of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success. Wes Butterfield is executive board treasurer.