Antisemitism denounced and the processing of certain discrimination complaints centralized
Anti-vaping initiative approved
Public comment process modified
Reviewed the process to create new course offerings
The Board of the San Dieguito Union High School District met on November 18th. Three important resolutions were passed.
Board Denounces Antisemitism
Members of the Jewish community reached out and asked to meet with me to discuss actions to reduce acts of antisemitism in our school district.
I met with them and separately with Dr. Ward on several occasions to better understand the issue and discuss ways we can reduce antisemitism, and discrimination more broadly, in our schools.
I decided to sponsor two related resolutions at the board meeting. The first was a resolution denouncing antisemitism, and the second was to create a new process for managing the investigation and resolution of complaints of discrimination. The school district has long had policies that prohibit discrimination against certain protected classes such race, gender, religion, and more. Unfortunately acts of discrimination continue to happen.
A draft resolution on antisemitism was presented and led to an interesting debate. Some trustees expressed concern about singling out one group and not others. Others thought that support of the Jewish community was uniquely important. The measure had broad support from Dr. Ward and members of the Board, except for Trustee Young. She expressed concern that the resolution “wasn’t perfect,” and thought that we should delay action until a later meeting so that she could obtain greater community input.
In addition, members of the Jewish community expressed a desire to explicitly state that anti-Zionism can lead to antisemitism. After hearing the discussion, I created a new proposed resolution that incorporated additional language suggested by Dr. Ward. The board voted 4-0-1 to pass the resolution, with Trustee Young abstaining.
New Investigatory Process for Claims of Discrimination
My second proposed resolution was to centralize the receipt, investigation, and resolution of complaints of harassment, intimidation, and bullying against protected classes. Centralizing this process will lead to an increase in the quality and consistency of the investigations, improved transparency, comprehensive data, and greater confidence from the community.
A discussion ensued on whether the word “equity” should be included. The resolution was intended to alter the way complaints of discriminatory actions are handled, not to address systemic issues of inequity. Systemic inequity is a condition that should be addressed separately by a different process. Acts of discrimination are discrete in time and place and require immediate attention and response. Dr. Ward was 100% in favor of the resolution. She said “Because we have a need for the first resolution means that we have a need for a second resolution.” At the end of the discussion, the word “equity” was not included, and the motion passed 5-0 with a couple edits.
Anti-Vaping Initiative Approved
It was brought to my attention that some students, especially in some of our middle schools, are uncomfortable using our school restrooms because of excessive vaping. Obviously, no one should feel uncomfortable using the restrooms. In addition, I learned that state law requires school districts to create and enforce anti-vaping policies on school grounds.
I asked the Superintendent to review technology that will help us appropriately enforce our anti-vaping policy. The board heard a proposal to pilot sensors to detect vaping in the bathrooms and alert staff. The proposal also included cameras in the hallway so that individuals could be identified entering and exiting the restrooms.
The ASB student reps on the board expressed concern that the cameras are invasions of privacy. Dr. Ward reassured them that the cameras are not in the restrooms, nor do they look into the restrooms. They are in the hallways and facilitate the enforcement of the policy. Dr. Ward emphasized that the installation of sensors alone would be insufficient to enforce the anti-vaping policy without contemporaneous monitoring. Deputy Superintendent Mark Miller commented that site admins are in favor of implementing this pilot, and other school districts have successfully utilized this technology.
It is important that we acknowledge that vaping is an addiction far too prevalent in our schools. Detection is only one part of a broader program to help students overcome addiction to vaping. Education, awareness, and intervention are all part of a comprehensive anti-vaping initiatitve. A restorative process, not a punitive response, is the goal. The motion passed 3-2 with Trustees Bronstein and Young voting no.
Public Comments
The board voted unanimously to change our procedures for accepting public comments. There will be three comment periods at each regularly scheduled board meetings: one for non-agenda items, one for agenda items, and one for closed session. Each comment period will allow for up to ten individuals to speak for up to two minutes each, with the option to extend at the discretion of the board president.
Course Curriculum
Associate Superintendent Bryan Marcus provided the board with an overview of the process for piloting new courses. To better understand Board governance, I asked him if the Board had the authority to approve or disapprove the creation of new courses. He and Associate Superintendent Olga West were not sure and committed to come back to the board with further information at a future meeting. I asked the district’s attorney to also report back to the board on the extent of the board’s authority to approve or restrict new courses.
It’s important to be as transparent as possible. Course content (syllabus, books, handouts, and other material) should be available to the public. I’ve been working to get this information more readily accessible to anyone who wants to see it.