May 11, 2022, Fairview, OR – At the April Reynolds School Board Meeting, the Board unanimously passed a resolution denouncing racism at athletic events. This resolution also resolves to lift the voices of students to share experiences of racism, microaggressions, and cultural disrespect while participating in athletic and extracurricular activities.
Spurred in part by the recent incident at Sandy High School in which the Reynolds High Girls Basketball Team were subjected to hateful and racist verbal assaults, this resolution was written to ensure all staff within the Reynolds School District work to create safe environments for our students on our own or other school campuses.
In part, the resolution reads “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Reynolds School Board that we denounce all discriminatory behavior and harassment by students, staff, and fans during athletic and extracurricular activities; that we listen to, believe, and lift up the voices of our students when they share their experiences of racism, microaggressions, and cultural disrespect while participating in athletic and extracurricular activities; that we partner with the Oregon School Activities Association and other educational partners to enact policies to prevent, report, address, enforce against, and hold people and institutions accountable for these harmful acts; that we call for all school districts across Oregon to review and renew their athletic codes of conduct to embody the highest standards of sportsmanship and athletic character, expressly stating respectful behavior by athletes, staff, and spectators; that we urge communities across the state to enact, enforce and clearly communicate policies and practices to ensure that students, staff, and community members who are Black, Indigenous, and Culturally Diverse are safe and supported when participating in athletic and extracurricular activities in all communities.” For the full resolution, you can go to www.reynolds.k12.or.us/schoolboard/2021-2022-board-adopted-resolutions.
“The Board felt we had a responsibility to stand in solidarity with our students,” stated Ana Gonzalez Munoz, Board Chair. “We think it’s vitally important to point out when racism occurs and to take action. Tonight, we took action with this resolution.”
About Reynolds School District:
As a community, we prepare lifelong learners to achieve their full potential in a complex and interconnected world. Reynolds School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups in our society. Reynolds School District Board of Education ensures that all educational programs, activities, and employment will be free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, parental or marital status, or age.
Contact: Steve Padilla, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Partnerships – spadilla@rsd7.net; 707.330.6559.
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