Non-Discrimination Policy
OAISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:
Human Rights Officer, Human Resources Department
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
13565 Port Sheldon Street
Holland, MI 49424
1-877-702-8600 (toll free)
Position Statement on Equity
Ottawa Area ISD remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, both in policy and in practice. We are invested in the students, families and communities we serve, with our efforts aimed at promoting civility and prosperity for our community.
Recent events and tragedies – from COVID-19 devasting our most vulnerable communities to the heartbreaking deaths of Ahmaud Arbury, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd – affirm that more needs to be done to address inequities and systemic racism.
Ottawa Area ISD supports efforts across our communities and nation to evoke meaningful change. Simply put, we reject racism in all its forms and are committed to ‘Doing More. Together.’ to address racial and ethnic injustices. Admittedly, we do not have all of the answers, but we do believe that we are part of the solution and we believe the students we are helping to educate are part of the solution. We are dedicated to doing the work so urgently needed to make our students’ future more equitable.
We encourage our staff members to actively educate themselves on the inequalities in our community and county, to actively listen to the lived experiences of community members and students, and to consider the role implicit bias may play in their classrooms.
We support and foster an environment where multiple viewpoints may be expressed, heard and respected; where students can explore, ask questions and find their voice within a safe space; and ultimately, where our children and team members are kept free from harm, including discrimination and harassment.
Ottawa Area ISD leaders are committed to being an active voice against systemic racism. We will continue to thoughtfully review and improve our practices, recognizing that discrimination takes many forms. We look forward to sharing with you the steps and actions we are taking to do better by our students, our community and each other.
Please contact Julie Gillespie, Ottawa Area ISD Human Rights Officer, for inquiries at jgillesp@oaisd.org or 616-738-8940 ext. 4091.