(The Center Square) – West Hartford Public Schools in Connecticut entered into a $20,000 contract in 2023 with an education consulting organization focused on equity and racial justice, to address diversity and inclusion in hiring and training.
According to Defending Education, the agreement with Recenter Race & Equity in Education Inc. included services such as facilitating District Equity Diversity Council meetings, providing coaching and consultation sessions, and conducting training for the Board of Education.
The report indicates that the program is funded “through a partnership between local districts, regional service centers, private and public funds.”
Recenter Race & Equity in Education Inc., which has since ceased operations, described its work as supporting schools in examining systemic inequities and developing policies to improve equity and inclusion.
The organization offered professional development for educators, racial justice workshops and training series designed to help participants understand how historical and contemporary forms of oppression shape educational systems.
Critics of such initiatives argue that hiring and promotion decisions should be based solely on merit and professional qualifications.
“Our schools should hire and retain faculty based on their ability to educate and inspire students,” Chloe Hunt, an investigative reporter at Defending Education, told The Center Square. “WHPS’ race-based policy raises serious questions about the district’s values and whether they’re putting students first or ideology.”
According to materials from the group’s training programs, the sessions encouraged participants to consider how their identities and experiences intersect with those of the communities they serve, and how those factors may influence decision-making and educational practices.
The district’s collaboration with Recenter also aligned with initiatives to expand diversity among educators. WHPS has said it seeks to attract, retain and promote teachers of color as part of its broader equity strategy.
Recenter’s programming extended beyond staff training. The organization also promoted initiatives known as “Youth Equity Squads,” in which students engage in discussions about bias and racism and develop proposals intended to make their schools more inclusive.
WHPS has said its equity initiatives are intended to create a more inclusive learning environment and better reflect the diversity of the student population. District officials did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment on the contract or training programs.
Similarly, Minnesota K-12 school districts have adopted a policy allowing taxpayer funds to support race-focused initiatives, such as financial incentives, stipends and retention strategies for teachers of color and American Indian teachers.
