The strategic plans of MERC school divisions reflect a multifaceted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as does the VCU School of Education. It is no surprise that the three current MERC studies determined by our Policy and Planning Council emphasize these principles. Our Achieving Racial Equity in School Disciplinary Policies and Practices study explores the patterns of racial gaps in exclusionary discipline as well as the factors that drive these inequities. Our Teacher Retention study seeks to understand the recruitment and retention of educators, including factors contributing to a diverse teacher workforce in metropolitan Richmond. Our Professional Development for Success in Culturally Diverse Schools study investigates strategies for providing high quality professional development for educators working in rapidly diversifying schools. In each of these studies, we seek not only to engage the national conversation related to these issues of diversity in public education, but also to generate practical, actionable recommendations that support equity in our region’s schools.

The 16th annual MERC Conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students to advance the mission of school divisions in metropolitan Richmond to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event will encourage conversations about opportunities that exist as a result of diversity, as well as the challenges that arise. Through all conference activities, there will be a focus on finding solutions to the challenges we face, and in moving from understanding to action.

The goals of the conference are:
1. To explore the varied ways that stakeholders in MERC school divisions understand diversity, equity, and inclusion in their schools.

2. To discuss local educational research on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an emphasis on practical, actionable implications for MERC division schools.

3. To share current efforts for advancing equity in MERC school divisions, highlighting how these vary based on the communities they serve.

4. To offer tangible, sustainable takeaways for how to promote equity in schools, classrooms, and communities.

5. To build community within and across stakeholder groups with the hope of encouraging collective action on these topics.