Dr. Stone encourages a child during Northlake’s ‘Career Day’. Photo by Carol Toler.
The Dallas Business Journal has created a new Leaders in Diversity awards program honoring organizations and individuals showing exceptional commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. Richardson ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone will be one of their inaugural recipients when awards are presented March 4.
“I am extremely proud that Dr. Jeannie Stone has been selected to receive the Diversity Award from the Dallas Business Journal,” said Regina Harris, who has worked with Stone on the issues of diversity and inclusion in her roles as a leader in the RISD Council of PTAs and, more recently, as the trustee from District 4 representing Hamilton Park. “A few years ago, I had an opportunity to witness Dr. Stone take the initiative to step up and do something about the racial unjust that has been going on in RISD for many years. Not only did Dr. Stone step up, but she was also intentional and authentic about making a change in the district. She was very well aware that some of the actions she would be taking would not be popular by some, she knew it would be tough work, but she has continued to drive the work with heart to make sure that all means all.”
In the weeks after the death of George Floyd, district students and staff members reached out to the superintendent to share their personal experiences. She met for hours with students, including several from Lake Highlands High School, who pressed for an acknowledgment of – and an end to – systemic racism in the district.
Under Stone’s direction, RISD created a new Department of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to provide a culturally responsive environment to support all students. A new policy, adopted by RISD trustees in 2020, seeks to eliminate bias, prejudice and unlawful discrimination affecting student achievement and learning experiences.
Inaugural recipients of the diversity award will be honored at an awards program Thursday and featured in a special Dallas Business Journal publication in print and online. Congratulations, Dr. Stone.
Dr. Stone celebrates Hamilton Park teacher Ashley Jones being named a STAR teacher
Dr. Stone congratulates Tina Cruickshank, STAR teacher at Forest Lane Academy
