It is great to see the content of this guidance document regarding cultural competency. Cultural competency is a basic requirement for many professions including mental health professionals, doctors, and social workers. Any role where an individual is responsible for the lives and betterment of others, most especially youths, requires understanding and successfully interacting with the populations with whom you work. This is one way in which that can happen!

In order to ensure success in reaching the unique lives and contexts that students bring to the classroom, our teachers and staff must be able to examine themselves and their ability to promote equity. Lacking cultural competency means you are UNABLE TO SERVE anyone apart from those in your demographic. What value is teaching if they are only able to serve a certain population and not others? 

Disappointing to see the misinformation so many misguided individuals are responding to this with. To those who are claiming this is critical race theory....it sadly not and I suggest looking into what CRT really is as you are sorely missing the point.

If you are afraid of requiring cultural competency at a minimum, I would as you to consider if perhaps it is your own biases you fear being exposed? Growth can be scary but it is necessary. 

Looking forward to seeing the Virginia educational system improve its ability to reach every one of its constituents.