More than 125 attendees gathered in Berkeley this month to discuss inclusivity, resistance, curriculum and other topics at ACSA’s annual Equity Institute.

Drs. Cherina Betters, Vajra Watson and Joaquin Noguera headlined the conference, which took place amid attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs across the country — including in schools. Sessions included addressing implicit bias, administrator wellness and asset-based practices.

Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco of Lynwood Unified School District led a session on “blooming where you are planted.” She used a flower metaphor to describe feelings of both discouragement and inspiration in the workplace, and said taking multiple breaks a day and enforcing boundaries is vital to staying productive.

“Prioritizing our tasks becomes difficult because everything is a priority,” she said. “Sometimes everything is a five-alarm fire.”

Dr. Rebecca Pianta of Santa Ana Unified School District, who chaired the conference’s planning committee, moderated Thursday’s lunchtime session with superintendents and school board members.

The panel highlighted DEI policies in the speakers’ respective districts and discussed the work needed to implement equity in their strategic plans.

“Someone mentioned a phrase called ‘equity fatigue,’” said Cheryl Jordan, superintendent of Milpitas Unified School District. “I thought, ‘Why would anyone be fatigued about equity?’ Equity is more important now than ever.”

Superintendent Dr. Darren McDuffie of Santa Maria-Bonita Unified School District said he makes sure he develops relationships with staff so that they feel heard and included. “Positions are not important,” he said. “It’s the people.”