By Ryan Duey

After eight years of integrating Native American education into the school curriculum, the USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden school board is looking to expand diversity education to reflect the district’s varied cultural backgrounds.

Teaching and learning executive director Andrea Tiede sought feedback on diversity education with Board member Curt Herrman emphasizing the need to include more cultures and minority groups, noting significant progress with Indigenous education. Karla Hagemeister noted that a spring survey showed only 50% of teachers felt comfortable facilitating diversity discussions.

Superintendent Eric Reid attributed teacher concerns to societal issues, including fear of political backlash. Reid stressed the importance of respectful conversations and avoiding ideological biases.

The board plans to continue deliberating on diversity education in future meetings, aiming to integrate it into all school activities rather than treating it as a separate subject.