Announcement Details
Announcement Message
Originally posted on Jan. 25, 2024.
Dear SFUSD Community,
As the Israel-Hamas War and ongoing events in the Middle East continue to impact many of our students, families, and staff, we remain focused on listening to our school communities and providing support to those who need it. As a school district that champions diversity and social justice, our responsibility is to ensure that each and every student feels safe and included within our schools. SFUSD actively takes steps to create safe and welcoming environments for students, staff and families.
As such, I am writing to share more about our policies and practices related to these issues.
First, and most importantly, SFUSD does not tolerate bullying, antisemitism, Islamophobia or other forms of hate. We are a district that will always celebrate our differences, which unite us and make us the strong community that we are. We have a clear board policy as well as administrative regulation that guide how we prevent and address bullying and harassment. We provide guidance on this issue in our Student and Family Handbook. We also have many resources to address these types of issues when they occur at our schools.
Bullying and Harassment
Students deserve to feel safe and supported in schools, and should never intentionally be made to feel uncomfortable, targeted, or bullied in schools. Please know that when we learn about an issue related to bullying and harassment, we take steps to address it immediately. Here is our process when we receive a report of bullying or harassment:
- Communicate with affected families/ students the process of the investigation.
- Launch an investigation, which involves speaking directly with those involved.
- Work with those involved to resolve the issue, including to teach youth to understand the impact of their actions and find ways to repair the relationships.
- Provide support for those negatively affected to be able to feel safe moving forward.
- Assign consequences as appropriate.
- Communicate with affected families/ students the outcome of the investigation, while maintaining the necessary and appropriate level of confidentiality.
Free Speech
We support our students in speaking up about issues of importance to them. Free speech is a protected right and something our school district takes seriously. Per Board Policy 5145.2, we support “students' rights to express ideas and opinions, take stands on issues, and support causes, even when such speech is controversial or unpopular.” At the same time, we expect students to exercise this right responsibly and refrain from hate speech or forms of speech that incite violence or illegal activities. Per California Education Code (48907, 48950):
- Students are prohibited from making any expressions or distributing or posting any materials that are obscene, libelous, or slanderous.
- Students also are prohibited from making any expressions that so incite students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises, the violation of school rules, or substantial disruption of the school's orderly operation.
- Students will not be disciplined solely on the basis of speech or other communication that would be constitutionally protected when engaged in outside of school, but may be disciplined for harassment, threats, or intimidation unless constitutionally protected.
Educational Resources for Schools
Additionally, we are planning to share with staff district-approved resources to support education on the current situation and engage in safe and meaningful dialogue. These resources are from educational and non-profit, non-partisan institutions. As an educational institution, it is important that we are providing factual and accurate information that allows students to think critically and draw their own conclusions about difficult subjects. Like all of us, students want and need healthy spaces to process what they are seeing, feeling and hearing. Schools and classrooms can be engaging places to help youth unpack current events. However, per Board Policy 4019.25 and Board Policy 4019, teachers and staff are expected to refrain from sharing, or advocating for, their personal or political viewpoints in the classroom. Additionally, students should not feel pressured or encouraged by adults at school to support action that promotes any particular viewpoint.
Our Commitment to You
If you or your student are aware of incidents that should be addressed, please inform your school administrator or another trusted adult on campus immediately. You can also report a concern to the SFUSD Office of Equity or the Student Family School Resource Link. We are committed to following the steps outlined above when we receive a report of a concern.
I hope this information is helpful as we continue to navigate this incredibly difficult time. We care about the safety and wellbeing of students, and are committed to providing all students with access to support services when they need them. Please continue to take good care of yourself and your loved ones.
In Partnership,
Dr. Wayne