SOUTH WHIDBEY: School Board Resolution and Letter in Support of Inclusion, Equity, and Community

The South Whidbey School District sent this email on Fri., Feb. 14, 2025.

School Board Resolution and Letter in Support of Inclusion, Equity, and Community

February 12, 2025

Dear South Whidbey School District Community,

As a district deeply committed to inclusivity, respect, and the well-being of all students, we understand that federal changes have raised concerns, especially among our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families. We hear these concerns, and we recognize their impact on the lives of our community members. Our values are unwavering: every individual, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, belongs here in South Whidbey, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they feel safe, valued, and supported.

South Whidbey School District stands firm in our dedication to providing a nurturing educational environment free from discrimination of any kind. This includes protection based on immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other defining characteristic. Our commitment to equity and justice is embedded in our policies, and we reaffirm that every student, regardless of their background, is entitled by law to a fair and supportive education.

As such, the South Whidbey School Board passed a resolution reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, equity, and the community, directing all staff and employees to continue to follow applicable district policies, many of which are provided below.

Regardless of any shifts in federal policy, South Whidbey will continue to uphold its values and ensure that all students—no matter their identity or status—have access to an inclusive, high-quality education.

In alignment with district policy 4300, Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools, we hold several principles paramount:

• We are committed to making certain that every student within our boundaries, regardless of immigration status, can safely access free public ITK-12 education.
• We believe it is our responsibility to educate staff and volunteers on the rights of immigrant students, ensuring they are aware of the protections available.
• Our schools are sanctuaries for learning, and we do not condone participation in or cooperation with immigration enforcement activities, ensuring that all individuals—students, families, staff, and volunteers—are free from such threats on school grounds and facilities.
• South Whidbey School District does not collect, track, or inquire about the immigration status of students or their families
• We will never exclude students from receiving an education, nor will we discriminate against anyone based on race, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected category.

We also adhere to Washington state law regarding immigrant students’ rights to attend public schools, emphasizing that we will not engage with federal immigration authorities unless required by law. We will ensure that any legal actions affecting students are handled with the utmost sensitivity, ensuring proper notification and protections for students and families. For more information see district policy 3226, Interviews and Interrogations of Students on School Premises.

We also recognize that gender expression is a deeply personal aspect of every student’s identity. In accordance with policy 3211, Gender-Inclusive Schools, we support all students in expressing their gender identity, providing a safe space for them to use their chosen names and pronouns, access facilities that align with their gender identity, and participate in physical education and athletic activities as they see fit. We will not disclose a student’s gender identity to others without the student’s consent, unless required by law.

Supporting Our Students

The wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do. Our schools are places where each child should feel at home—secure, supported, and valued. We are committed to providing opportunities for all students to thrive, emotionally and academically. We will continue to:

• Offer safe spaces and counseling support for students to process fears or anxieties.
• Address and respond decisively to hate speech or discriminatory actions.
• Reinforce our values of inclusion, safety, and respect through restorative practices, advisory periods, and open discussions.
• Connect families to community resources to support them and their children. (See below)

Supporting Our Families

Our community is enriched by its diversity, and we recognize that families are a vital part of this. To ensure that families feel supported and empowered, we will continue to provide resources that address the specific needs of immigrant families and LGBTQIA+ families. Our goal is to help families stay connected, safe, and informed.

Immigrant Rights Resources:

• Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police – English and Spanish (ACLU)
• Know Your Rights Under the U.S. Constitution – No Matter Who Is President – translated into Chinese, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish (National Immigration Law Center)
• Know Your Rights with ICE – translated into many languages (Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network)
• Resources from NW Educational Services District 189
• More Know Your Rights resources (Northwest Immigrant Rights Project)

Transgender Rights Resources:

• Trans Rights in WA State (King County Trans Resource & Referral Guide)
• Trans Youth Handbook – a legal resource guide that covers the rights of trans youth across such a wide spectrum of situations, including identity documents, school, health care, non-affirming care environments, and work (co-authored by Harvard Law School and the National Center for Lesbian Rights)
• Facing the Future Together – FAQs, Guidance, and Resources (Human Rights Campaign)
• Trans Lifeline – national trans peer support, resources, and hotline

We pledge to keep our community informed about any changes to laws or policies that may affect our students, and to share updates promptly if anything impacts our schools.

At South Whidbey School District, every student, every family, and every individual belongs. Together, we will continue to build a culture of care: an environment where respect, inclusion, and belonging are not just ideals, but lived experiences.

Thank you for being part of our vibrant community.

Sincerely,

Brook Willeford, Chair and Director    
Ann Johnson, Director
Andrea Downs, Director     
Marnie Jackson, Director
Joseph Greenheron, Director    
Dr. Josephine P  Moccia, Superintendent
Carter McKnight, Student Member    
Callahan Dobmeier, Student Member