The Oregon Department of Education recognizes that student health and safety are the cornerstone of education and that all students are entitled to a high-quality educational experience, free from discrimination or harassment based on perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin, and without fear or hatred, racism or violence. All staff and leaders are also entitled to work in environments that are free from discrimination or harassment, and visitors should be able to participate in school activities without fear for their safety. The Every Student Belongs rule is an important step in creating safe and inclusive school climates where all who participate in our school communities feel welcome.
The Every Student Belongs rule prohibits hate symbols, specifically three of the most recognizable symbols of hate in the U.S.— the swastika (outside of a religious context), the Confederate flag, and the noose. Schools must have policies in place that prohibit hate symbols and bias incidents and must have procedures for addressing concerns if they arise.
Historical Background
Every Student Belongs was initiated by a student in Oregon in response to their reports that the presence of the noose, confederate flag, and neo-Nazi symbolism in their schools caused emotional and physical distress that kept them and others from accessing their education. The student asked the Governor to send a clear message that Oregon will not back down from prohibiting bullying, harassment, violence, and hatred in our schools and is committed to building school environments that ensure safety and belonging. In response, Governor Brown wrote to the State Board of Education Chair and ODE Director Colt Gill urging them “to take immediate action to address and correct the adverse impacts symbols of hate and other manifestations of hate speech have on students in Oregon public schools.” She requested that the Board establish rules to ensure that no Oregon student “be subject to actions or expressions of hate, intolerance, marginalization, or racism.” The Board received a similar letter from Representatives McKeown and Brock-Smith asking it to take immediate action.
The temporary rule took effect on September 18, 2020. It required districts to adopt and implement policies and procedures that prohibit the use or display of the noose, swastika, or confederate flag in any program or school-sponsored activity except where used in teaching curricula that are aligned with the Oregon State Standards by January 1, 2021. The permanent rule took effect on February 19, 2021, and was amended on October 26, 2021. The temporary rule took effect on September 18, 2020. It required districts to adopt and implement policies and procedures that prohibit the use or display of the noose, swastika, or confederate flag in any program or school-sponsored activity except where used in teaching curricula that are aligned with the Oregon State Standards by January 1, 2021. The permanent rule took effect on February 19, 2021, and was amended on October 26, 2021.