Students learn best in an environment they feel safe in. That’s why it’s critical for schools to be free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation.
Bias incidents — hostile language, actions or symbols of hate based on another person’s race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity — have no place in our schools. These actions can cause harm even though they are not crimes. To ensure all students, employees and visitors feel safe and welcome in school, a new Oregon Administrative Rule in 2021 established a procedure for addressing bias incidents in schools. To support districts with the new bias incident response requirements, Clackamas Education Service District has developed a bias incident training and resources, including a digital reporting tool, a bias incident response manual, communication templates and coaching/consultation services.
By referencing guidance for interviewing survivors of violence for mental health professionals and police officers, Clackamas ESD’s Mental Health, Safety and Prevention Specialist Sandy Mathewson, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Dawnnesha Lasuncet and Assistant Director of Student Services Angie Kautz created a trauma-informed framework for schools to use when investigating bias incidents.
August through November 2023, Lasuncet and Kautz have facilitated seven trainings for school district staff across the region. In addition to outlining the bias incident procedure and best practices, the trainings gave district staff a space to work in groups and discuss concerns specific to their communities.
“I appreciated the initial grounding and the balance of receiving information, perusing resources, and discussion with colleagues,” one attendee commented. “The table talk and scenarios were very beneficial.
“This was a great training! So much to take back to our teams in the building.”
To schedule a bias incident training for your district, contact Angie Kautz at akautz@clackesd.org.
