WSD considers immigration enforcement, gender inclusivity policies

The Washougal School District has proposed two new policies related to immigration enforcement and gender inclusivity in its schools. The Washougal school board read the policies during a Feb. 12 workshop and plans to vote on them at a future meeting. The district has proposed renaming its “Transgender Students” policy to “Gender Inclusive Schools.” “The new name is more accurate and encompassing,” the policy states. “We also hope it will be less divisive as we move forward.” The district made changes to the policy to bring it into alignment with the modifications outlined in Senate Bill 5689, and the resulting recommendations from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Washington State School Directors Association, which were directed by a 2019 law to make updates and provide a model policy for school districts. “Washougal families expect safe, civil and respectful treatment for every student, and our community expects our staff and students to teach and model respect in how we treat each other each day,” Washougal School District Superintendent Aaron Hansen said. The policy states that the Washougal School Board recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication, the use of names and pronouns, students’ official records, confidential health and education information, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes and other school activities, in order to provide students an equal opportunity for learning and achievement. “School district staff receive training on providing a welcoming environment for all students each year through our annual training at the beginning of the year,” said Les Brown, the district’s director of communications, technology, and operations. The policy will be implemented “with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers” provided by Vector Solutions’ Safe Schools package through the Educational Service District 112’s risk management cooperative. The board will also consider its “Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools” policy, which “ensures that all students, regardless of immigration status, feel safe and supported in their learning environment” and “protects students’ rights to access education, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that promotes academic success and well-being.” Other Clark County districts recently updated their policies, as well. Washougal’s policy would give clearly defined protocols for how to handle immigration-related requests at Washougal’s schools. “This policy safeguards student and family privacy, prevents disruptions to education, and ensures staff follow legal and ethical guidelines,” the policy states. “Ultimately, it strengthens trust between schools and the community, reinforcing the district’s commitment to equity, safety and the protection of all students.” If approved, the policy would prohibit “any person engaging in, or intending to engage in, immigration enforcement, including surveillance” from accessing nonpublic Washougal School District facilities, property, equipment and databases on school grounds or their immediate vicinity. Brown said the policy would provide “clear guidance for all school staff on how to stay in compliance with all relevant state and federal laws while providing equal access to all students, regardless of their immigration status.” Hansen said the school district “is committed to providing equal access to education for all students regardless of immigration status.” He added that the adoption of the immigration enforcement policy would ensure that the school district is in compliance with Washington state laws. A Jan. 21 executive order from the Department of Homeland Security authorized United States immigration officers to detain people in previously protected places, including schools. The Washougal School District canceled its Feb. 5 Multicultural Family Night “in light of recent events and the concerns of our multicultural community,” according to event organizer Jason Foster. “The Multicultural Family Night, originally scheduled for earlier this month, was postponed to allow organizers and participating families time to better understand the implications of recent executive orders,” Brown said. “We have not been contacted by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers, and we have not heard of this happening to any students or their families in Washougal."

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