Beaverton School Board passes nondiscrimination resolution | OregonLive.com

Beaverton School Board passes nondiscrimination resolution | OregonLive.com

Beaverton School Board passes nondiscrimination resolution

Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 7:58 PM Updated: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 8:00 PM

Wendy Owen, The Oregonian
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BEAVERTON -- In the month since Beaverton School District asked that a gay student teacher be reassigned, school leaders have been jolted awake by the long-ignored harassment and discrimination of homosexuals across the district.

During an emotional school board meeting Monday night, parents and school board members talked about the need to change, and the board took the first official step by unanimously approving a resolution of nondiscrimination.

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The one-page resolution reaffirms the district's nondiscrimination and diversity policies, resolves that everyone is entitled to the same rights and privileges, and calls upon everyone in the district and community to "call out discrimination if and when it occurs, and to ensure that all persons in our schools are and feel welcome, valued, respected and safe."

"I like what we've written," said Lisa Shultz, board member. "But it's not enough. It will never be enough."

A couple of board members choked up as they talked about their concerns and the need for change. Over the past month, they have received letters and e-mails with stories of bullying,