School Board, Superintendent Messages About October 7

 

Board Statement Regarding Any Potential Issaquah Student Walkout on October 7

The Issaquah School Board has been made aware of efforts by an outside group to organize a walkout at Issaquah High School on October 7th, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.  We want the Issaquah School District community to know that we are committed to ensuring that every student can attend school free from fear of harassment or intimidation.  Our Board and District work tirelessly to implement policies that promote academic excellence and create a welcoming environment for all.

While we fully support our students’ right to free speech, by law, it must be exercised in a way that does not disrupt the learning environment.  A student walkout on October 7th causes significant concern for the physical and psychological safety of others which could be disruptive to the learning environment, given the feedback we have received from previous events.  We expect the ISD administration to hold students accountable for actions that violate District regulations.

It is possible to both desire an end to the violence abroad and also expect our students to contribute to a culture of respect and inclusion.  We encourage continued respectful dialogue on divisive topics and invite any students feeling unheard or unseen to speak with trusted adults, including school leaders.  As a School Board, we also welcome input from students, staff, families, and community members who have ongoing concerns.

Sincerely,

Harlan Gallinger

 

President, Board of Directors
Issaquah School District
 

 

Superintendent Message About October 7

Dear Issaquah School District Community, 

On behalf of the district, I want to share my reflections as we approach October 7, which is the date last year when Hamas attacked Israel, and a date that is on the minds of many in our community. Last week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released data that showed a significant increase in hate crime against Jewish, Arab and Muslim individuals in this country over the past year. This, as with hateful actions or speech against any group of people, is simply not acceptable. We need to collectively work together to build a community that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, staff and families.   

Our schools are places where we can help students build skills for engaging in civil discourse and disagreeing with one another respectfully. Our job as educators is to help each other learn about differences in a way that is safe and free from hate. To support these efforts, on October 18, teachers will engage in professional learning about how religious diversity impacts the experience of students in our schools, and how to foster belonging for students from religious communities. This learning will extend into January. These sessions will focus on deepening our understanding of the cultural and religious practices of the Muslim and Jewish communities. 

We have learned that an outside group, unaffiliated with the district, has planned a “Walkout for Palestine” on Monday, October 7, and has called for students to join them. We recognize that this date has meaning for those who wish to protest for or against specific governmental actions, and for those who mourn losses that have occurred. We also recognize that every action will have a reaction, and the important conversation we have with students now is about their intended impact. This walkout will likely be negatively experienced by some classmates. 

It is our duty to protect our students’ right to free speech and assembly, while also keeping students safe and able to learn. We have processes in place to respond to any restrictions on our students’ rights, and also to respond to any disruptions that interfere with the school day and school campus. 

We will not tolerate hate or discrimination on our campuses. If any student experiences any form of discrimination, we encourage them to tell a trusted adult. Erin Connolly, Principal of Issaquah High School, shared this message last week with reminders and how students can make a report.  

Several things can be true at the same time – we can both protect against hate and protect students’ rights. This moment in time is a pivotal one to remind ourselves and others that there is no place for hate or discrimination in our schools and workplace. Together, we are committed to creating a district where every student and family feels safe, supported and embraced. 

In partnership, 

 

Heather Tow-Yick 
Superintendent