BEWARE! School District Civil Rights Coordinators

In today’s episode, Suzanne discusses:

Portland Public Schools Must Now Consider Race, Gender Identity When Disciplining Students

The new agreement between Portland Public Schools and its teachers requires considering a student's race, trauma, gender identity, and sexual orientation in disciplinary decisions, replacing mandatory suspensions for violent behavior with class removal and a "self-regulation space" within the school.

Colorado parents protest after daughter told to share bed with male student on school trip

Colorado parents are protesting a school district's transgender policy after their daughter was told to share a bed with a transgender girl on a school trip, claiming the policy violates their constitutional rights and lacked proper notification and opt-out options.

Girl, 11, Given No Protection After Violent Bullying at New York Arts School Where Kids ‘Destroy’ Competition

An 11-year-old girl at a Brooklyn arts school, victim of violent bullying and a physical attack, was offered only a "safety transfer" rather than addressing the bullies, highlighting concerns over policies that disrupt victims' education instead of disciplining aggressors.

Oregon's new law, House Bill 2281, mandates the appointment of Civil Rights Coordinators in school districts to oversee compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws in education. This move reflects the evolving role of K-12 schools, influenced by various stakeholders like teachers' unions and healthcare industry, in defining educational standards. The coordinators are responsible for monitoring discrimination, overseeing investigations, providing guidance on civil rights issues, and coordinating efforts to prevent civil rights violations. Additionally, the law specifies required training for these coordinators, including identifying and responding to discrimination, conducting investigations, and preventing retaliation in schools.