OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
We have narrowed our focus to the following 10 items.
We believe these recommendations will help lead us towards two overarching needs we have observed.
RECOMMENDATION #1:
No longer allow the confederate flag and other hate symbols on the Onalaska School District premises. We want this added as a section to the student handbook and ensure enforcement by teachers and administration.
We believe this will lead to a safer environment for all students in the Onalaska School District. Students, in particular students of color, should not have to fear seeing a symbol that represents hate while trying to focus on their education.
RECOMMENDATION #2:
Include mandatory racial bias training for all staff.
These trainings would help our educators grow into powerful trend setting teachers. Recognizing racial bias is a first step to Onalaska School District reaching its fullest potential to benefit all students.
RECOMMENDATION #3:
Update US and World History textbooks and incorporate critical perspectives on race as a key component of US History.
This recommendation will help provide a more accurate light on the role of race and the United States. Textbooks that include anti-racist intentions will help prepare all students for leaving Onalaska to pursue a career or higher education.
RECOMMENDATION #4:
Have age appropriate books about race (K-12) in every classroom and as assigned readings.
Exposure to conversations about race at all levels will provide an immeasurable impact. Making the topic of race something our youth can converse about in a respectful and productive manner. These conversations will be a excellent skill when interacting with a more diverse population once leaving Onalaska.
RECOMMENDATION #5:
Add additional support from staff for student leaders in ASB when planning race based assemblies.
Change within a student population begins with the student leaders. Providing support for them to take on challenging conversations can shift an entire schools environment.
RECOMMENDATION #6:
More closely match violations of the student handbook with Washington State laws.
We understand that actions have real consequences. School is a place to make mistakes and learn from them. We are asking that some mistakes be handled with more care. We ask to show students the gravity of their actions, and how the world outside the schools walls would react.
RECOMMENDATION #7:
Define what is protected under expressions of religious, philosophical or political views in the student handbook.
We are asking that the gray area be more defined as to make sure hate speech does not become confused with or accompany religious, philosophical or political speech.
RECOMMENDATION #8:
Restructure staffing and hiring procedures through:
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Including at least one scenario based question during an interview to evaluate a teacher’s capability to handle racially charged situations in the classroom.
Performing administrative sit-ins in classrooms that specially look for racial bias.
Intentionally addressing race in the hiring process will provide for each additional new staff member to be aware that race and other equity aspects are important to Onalaska School District.
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Administrative sit-ins will provide for a check and balance for current educators to make sure they are still operating at the high standard we expect of our educators in the Onalaska School District.
RECOMMENDATION #9:
Add additional questions to the surveys distributed to students yearly that specifically ask whether students have experienced or witnessed racial discrimination within the classroom.
Students know what students experience best. We want to make to give students an outlet to report these instances. This would also provide a baseline for the District to improve on for years to come.
RECOMMENDATION #10:
Annually evaluate all students understanding of how to file a racial discrimination claim.
Knowing that there is a process and there is administrative support for students who experience this will be life changing. Students know that there is someone in their corner to fight for them.