BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Sometime early next year, a task force will explore ways to ensure the various cultures in Lafayette Parish are reflected in the materials students use in the classroom.

Last month, the Lafayette Parish School Board proposed a diversity and ethnic studies task force to discuss diversity issues within the school system.

Board member Shelton Cobb tells The Advocate he pitched the task force in November in response to some residents faulting the school system for not including more culturally diverse instructional materials or programs.

Cobb said he thinks the task force's work should extend beyond the classroom to ensure the school system fosters an inclusive environment in the community.

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