CHEYENNE (WNE) — Laramie County School District 1 has filled a new position designed to address discrimination issues after racist and homophobic flyers distributed by students at a Cheyenne junior high sparked an investigation and district-wide discussions earlier this year.

Patti Paredes started working as the district’s diversity facilitator and coach after the LCSD1 Board of Trustees approved the hire during its Sept. 16 meeting.

The position was created in May as part of an action plan developed in the wake of racial and homophobic harassment at McCormick Junior High in March. Paredes’s job will focus on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within the district and providing training for staff.

“I would say we are not unique,” Paredes said in a prepared statement. “Many communities across the nation are struggling with changes in their demographics and addressing issues of diversity, race, equity and inclusion.”