Diversity Statement

WAPS-FM Community Representation Statement
Akron Public Schools (“APS”) The Board of Education in Akron Public Schools is committed to preparing each child for success. We believe that every student, parent/guardian, and staff member bring their backgrounds and experiences into our schools, making us more prosperous. Each of them has a legitimate expectation of having a barrier-free learning environment counteracting the contemporary and historical impact of bias, prejudice, and discrimination, which for generations has produced predictability of learning outcomes based on race, ethnicity, class, socioeconomics, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, diverse language fluency, religion, and cognitive/physical ability.

The Board believes that the responsibility for student success is broadly shared by district staff, families, our community and our students’ own efforts. It is the obligation of the district to embrace the diversity within our district while actively eliminating practices that perpetuate the disparities among our students so that all students can benefit equally.
Akron Public Schools (“APS”) provides Equal Educational Opportunities and Equal Employment Opportunities and does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex; race; creed; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; age; economic status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; physical appearance; a disability; veteran or military status; or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.

Akron Public Schools (“APS”) has adopted a non-discriminate policy. Click here to view Akron Public Schools’ non-discrimination and affirmative action policy.

The WAPS Affirmation of Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusions are essential to the WAPS mission as we seek to represent diversity in our paid, volunteer, student staff; our community service; and on-air programming. In our community service, we strive for programming that affirms people of all identities: ethnic, racial, cultural, spiritual, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ability, and age.
WAPS has an ongoing historical commitment to sharing and celebrating the music that affirms the value and dignity of all people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Above all, we believe the music we champion can and should be a source of joy, bridging divides and bringing people together in celebration of life and love in all its diversity.

Community Representation Statement
WAPS had an annual review on October 20, 2022 to identify our diversity, equity and inclusion needs. WAPS works to align our diversity goals with our Licensee holder Akron Public Schools. WAPS finds the elements of diversity important to its public media work through our diverse programming that affirms people of all identities: ethnic, racial, cultural, spiritual, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, ability, and age. WAPS has 8 full-time professional staff and 6 contracted. 43% are women and 14% are people of color. The governance board is 75% people of color and 43% women. In the past two to three years, WAPS has hired one woman and one person of color, increasing our diversity. In the upcoming year, WAPS plans to hire a Community Engagement and DEI Coordinator in order to further pursue our diversity efforts within the community we serve.