Together with a taskforce of community leaders and partners, City Schools has developed an equity policy that was presented to the Board of School Commissioners' Policy Committee on March 19, 2019. It was adopted on June 11, 2019.

• Read the policy
• Read about policy implementation

If you have questions, please email equity@bcps.k12.md.us.

1. Establishes a common definition for the following terms: educational equity, equity lens, and racial equity 
2. Publicly acknowledges the role of school districts in perpetuating institutional racism  
3. Commits the district to “disrupting and dismantling” institutional racism  
4. Sets specific directives related to 4 themes:   
   1. Disrupting and Eliminating Systemic Inequities  
   2. Honoring Culture, Experiences, & Humanity of Students, Families & Community  
   3. Ensuring Access & Representation in Academic Programming  
   4. Building Staff Capacity for Equity-based Teaching and Leading 

The overarching goal of Baltimore City Public Schools’ equity work is to change outcomes for young people so that race is no longer a predictor of academic success. The Office of Equity works within the district to help departments and schools identify and institutionalize equitable practices that fulfill the standards outlined in the Equity Policy. 

Since establishing the Baltimore City Public Schools Equity Policy, the Office of Equity has begun a long-term, organization-wide “level set” to establish a shared understanding of race and racial equity. The Office offers a 2-day Introduction to Racial Equity Seminar as an entry point for staff members to begin engaging with the district’s equity work. As of April 2020, the Office of Equity has expanded the scope of its professional learning offerings to assist staff as they adapt and respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The Office of Equity has also curated a resource list for staff members and families.