Sent Oct. 17, 2023

Dear SFUSD Staff:

We are writing to share a set of guidance that outlines SFUSD staff expectations during demonstrations, protests, rallies and walk-outs that take place during the school day. The district supports the right of our students to express their views in a peaceful manner, including their constitutional right to peacefully protest. Our students have exercised this right in numerous visible ways including participation in sit-ins, walkouts, taking a knee at athletic events, and marches. Student safety remains our top priority at all times.

It is our obligation to keep students safe at all times while in our care. SFUSD staff should observe the following guidelines during instances of student demonstrations: 

• Staff members are not authorized to take students on a field trip to a public march, rally or demonstration during the school day.

• Students may choose to miss school and/or leave school and staff must record the absence in the attendance system and follow the appropriate protocols for notifying parents of the absence. 

• For more information, please see SFUSD’s Guidance on Student Walkouts (High School) and SFUSD’s Guidance on Student Walkouts (Elementary and Middle School).

We are aware that some SFUSD students may be participating in a walkout focusing on the Israel-Hamas war on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 10:30am. This event is not sponsored by SFUSD. We know there are many urgent matters that we feel passionately about, and we must develop our students’ ability to take action on issues that impact them without compromising student safety.  

As a school district that champions diversity and social justice, it is imperative that our schools are safe spaces where each and every one of our students feel like they belong, can feel heard, and receive the support they need to process and heal.

Thank you for your understanding and professionalism. 

In Community,

Dr. Matt Wayne

Superintendent