2 weeks Ago
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner Christina Stephenson announced a joint initiative Monday to protect students from bullying, discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin and immigration status in Oregon schools.
"Every student in Oregon deserves to learn in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination – regardless of their race, national origin, or immigration status," Kotek said. "This guidance provides Oregon schools with the tools to protect students and sends a clear message to Oregonians that all are welcome in our classrooms." The Oregon Department of Education's guidance ensures that policies protecting students from bullying include appropriate provisions specifically addressing immigration status.
This aligns with Oregon's nondiscrimination laws, including ORS 659.850, which safeguards students against discriminatory practices. "In Oregon, we make a promise to every student and every family—regardless of where you lived previously, or your immigration status—that your dignity and safety matter," Stephenson said.
"If you experience discrimination or harassment in public spaces, including public schools, BOLI is here for you. No student should ever have to choose between getting an education and feeling safe." BOLI (Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries) will enforce Oregon's public accommodations laws, including ORS 659A.
403, to protect students from discriminatory acts based on immigration status. Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, expressed confidence in the state's educators to implement the guidance effectively.
"This guidance reaffirms our commitment to upholding both state and federal protections for all students," Williams said. "I am confident that Oregon's dedicated school administrators and educators will continue their tireless work to create learning environments where every child feels welcome, safe and valued." Officials emphasized that the guidance and its enforcement will remain in effect regardless of potential changes in federal law.
The initiative comes months after a national tragedy involving a young girl in Gainesville, Texas, who died on Feb. 8, five days after attempting suicide. According to reporting from KGW sister station WFAA in Dallas, Texas, the family believes she was bullied at school over her immigration status, which may have led her to take her own life.
She would have turned 12 this June. WFAA reported that the bullying became so severe that the girl was meeting with a school counselor several times weekly — a fact her mother only learned after the suicide attempt. Her mother told WFAA that fellow students taunted her daughter about immigration and what it would be like if her parents were deported.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, open 24-7. The Oregon YouthLine can also be reached at 877-968-8491..
