School district approves anti-discrimination resolution
7:15 p.m. PT Jan. 10, 2017
The Salem-Keizer School Board unanimously approved the “Safe and Welcoming Schools” resolution Tuesday night with the goal of recognizing and addressing discrimination in local schools.
At the December board meeting, 17 people gave testimony about alleged harassment and bullying occurring in Salem-Keizer schools, arguing it has increased since Donald Trump was elected President.
The board held a work session this week to finalize changes to the resolution and voted on the revised version in the regular meeting.
The audience cheered as the resolution was unanimously adopted.
A letter will be sent to district parents and staff informing them of the new resolution and how to access materials, in multiple languages including English and Spanish, online.
“Safe and Welcoming Schools” resolution:
SAFE AND WELCOMING SCHOOLS RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Salem-Keizer School Board is committed to providing all students with an educational experience that provides an inclusive barrier-free environment where all students have access and opportunity to high-quality education; and
WHEREAS, this commitment means that student success will not be predicted nor predetermined by race, national origin, disability, economic circumstance, mobility, native language, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender identity, or level of proficiency upon entering school; and
WHEREAS, the physical safety and emotional well-being of students, and the assurance that our schools are safe and welcoming for all students and their families, is paramount to students being able to achieve; and
WHEREAS, the School Board does not tolerate any form of discrimination, hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying; cyberbullying, or menacing of students; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board expects:
All Salem-Keizer School District staff to be diligent in recognizing and addressing discrimination, hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying; cyberbullying, or menacing as per administrative policy (Instruction-A003); staff are informed of and follow the administrative policy (Instruction-A035) related to dealing with non-local law enforcement including immigration officials who enter any district property; and the administrative policy and procedure related to the handling of complaints (Administrative-A005 and P008); and
All Salem-Keizer staff to maintain an organizational culture that treats students and their families with respect, dignity, and courtesy; and
The Superintendent to maintain, develop, communicate, and implement administrative policies and procedures, which foster a culture that is safe, inclusive, welcoming, and celebrates the diversity found within our community; and
The Superintendent to take appropriate action to prevent and/or correct conditions, procedures, actions, or decisions, which are unlawful, unethical, unsafe, disrespectful, disruptive, undignified, or in violation of Board or Administrative policy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors will review, revise if appropriate, and reaffirm this resolution annually at the summer planning meeting.
Signed:
Nancy MacMorris-Adix Date: January 10, 2017
Salem-Keizer School District Board of Director
Spanish version of resolution:
RESOLUCIÓN PERTINENTE A LA CREACIÓN DE UN
ENTORNO SEGURO Y ACOGEDOR EN LAS ESCUELAS
CONSIDERANDO que la Mesa Directiva Escolar se ha propuesto brindar a todos los alumnos una formación educativa en el marco de un entorno participativo sin obstáculos en el que todos los alumnos tengan oportunidades de acceder a una educación de gran calidad; y
CONSIDERANDO que dicho empeño significa que el éxito escolar no se predecirá ni se determinará sobre la base de la raza, el origen nacional, cualquier discapacidad, la circunstancia económica, la movilidad física, la lengua materna, la orientación sexual, la situación en materia de inmigración, la identidad de género o el nivel de aptitud al ingresar en la escuela; y
CONSIDERANDO que la protección física y el bienestar psicológico de los alumnos y que la garantía de que en nuestras escuelas se protege y se acoge a todos los alumnos y a sus familias son requisitos esenciales para permitir a los alumnos progresar; y
CONSIDERANDO que la Mesa Directiva Escolar no tolera ningún tipo de discriminación, ritos de iniciación, acoso, intimidación, hostigamiento, hostigamiento cibernético ni amenazas a los alumnos; y
HOY, POR LO TANTO, SE RESUELVE que la Mesa Directiva Escolar exige que:
Todo el personal del Distrito Escolar de Salem-Keizer tiene el deber de ser diligente para detectar y afrontar los casos de discriminación, ritos de iniciación, acoso, intimidación, hostigamiento, hostigamiento cibernético o amenazas según la norma administrativa (orden A003); asimismo, el personal tiene el deber de informar sobre la norma administrativa (orden A035) y de seguir dicha norma, la cual trata de la relación con las fuerzas de orden público que no sean locales, incluidos los agentes de inmigración que entren en la propiedad del distrito; y de la norma y los procedimientos administrativos relacionados con la tramitación de quejas (norma administrativas A005 y P008), y
Todo el personal de Salem-Keizer debe mantener una cultura institucional que propicie que el trato respetuoso, digno y cortés a todos los alumnos y a sus familias; y
La superintendente mantendrá, desarrollará, comunicará y pondrá en práctica los procedimientos y las normas administrativas que fomenten una cultura institucional protectora, integradora y acogedora que rinda homenaje a la diversidad existente en nuestra comunidad; y
La superintendente tomará las medidas adecuadas para prevenir o corregir las situaciones, los procedimientos, las actuaciones o las decisiones que sean ilícitas, poco éticas, peligrosas, irrespetuosas, perjudiciales, indignas o que violen las normas administrativas de la Mesa Directiva Escolar.
ACUERDA ASIMISMO que la Mesa Directiva revisará, corregirá en caso necesario y ratificará esta resolución anualmente durante la reunión de planificación que se celebra en el verano.
Firma:
Nancy MacMorris-Adix Fecha: 10 de enero de 2017
Mesa Directiva del Distrito Escolar de Salem-Keizer
For more information, go to www.salkeiz.k12.or.us or call 503-399-3000.
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