My child is LGBTQ and so I came out here to support their rights and their voice., I would say to take the politics out of it. Today we are here because the School Board has to right a wrongthey must repeal this bad policythey must do it tonight. These strong words were amplified through a bullhorn by Newberg Teachers Union president Jen Schnieder. Newberg, Oregon 97132. How could you do that to someone else? Unfortunately a few school board members are forcing through these inappropriate, and possibly illegal, changes, which will have long-lasting consequences and threaten student safety. As pressure mounted, the four conservative members voted to hire a. School board zone map and written descriptions are available online: https://bit.ly/3MULBka For questions contact Tabitha Renne at 503-554-5041. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. [8], An elementary school employee of the district reported to work wearing blackface in "protest" of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Smith, the lawyer, continued his involvement in the board meeting, directing Brown of the language to use in moving to terminate Morelocks employment. Its just common sense to me.. Piros asked her colleagues to take more time before going forward with the major, unannounced decision. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Director Zone 3 Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. By almost every metric, the assertion that the board currently supports all parents' rights is untrue. So why would they do that? What brought you out tonight to the protest? OPBs critical reporting and inspiring programs are made possible by the power of member support. The lawsuit, first filed in Yamhill County Circuit Court by the Portland law firm Bennett Hartman, was advanced to U.S. District Court in Portland in December 2021 as a civil rights case. Penner then asked Brown to adjourn the meeting, despite there being more items on the agenda, saying, "I don't think anything constructive will happen with this board again.". To understand what theyre going through right now is so important, said Hetrick.Jozie Donaghey, Holly Hetrick, parent and childrens counselor, This is a no-brainer. The ban on displaying such symbols in the classroom has been condemned by the Newberg City Council and Oregon Democrats, and the Oregon State Board of Education has called on the school board to reverse course. The initial vote drew immediate backlash from community members, sparking peaceful protests from the LGBTQ and Black communities. In a 4-3 vote, the Newberg school board decided to terminate the district's superintendent, Joe Morelock, during a meeting . The board's main job is to establish District policy. Before the resolution was brought forward, Penner, Piros and Pena attempted to stop it and adjourn the meeting. Take action today! Comments submitted via email, that are intended to be read aloud by the superintendent (or designee), need to be sent to publiccomment@newberg.k12.or.us no later than 4:00 pm the Monday prior to regular session. Why dont they? All rights reserved (About Us). Penner responded: "You know exactly why, Rebecca. The quality of some of the stories that we heard should count more than just the number of emails that we received, said Pea, who was wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt and rainbow headband during the virtual meeting. The ACLU celebrated the ruling in a tweet Thursday, saying they await the courts final order. In September 2022 Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Easterday struck down the Newberg school boards 2021 ban on political signs, declaring it a violation of the state constitutions guarantees of free speech. Studies, statistics, research and experts can prove 100 times over that removing those items is harmful and thats what were looking at: trying to be supportive of kids. Every student belongs in school, every student deserves to learn in a welcoming, and safe environment.". She said her daughter, who is Black, asks almost every day about other options for her education. The move elicited suspicion by the three minority members of the . I tell people you can pretend to care but you cant pretend to show up. Our human rights arent political, period. "Anti-free speech, anti-free expression, anti-safety.". Im so in awe at how many people are here because my experience wasnt the best so seeing everyone so gung-ho about it is heartwarming.. Amanda Boothby, a 2015 Newberg High School graduate, organized Tuesdays demonstration. It argued that the boards ban introduced as an amendment to board policy GBG in July 2021 by vice-chairman Brian Shannon and approved by chairman Dave Brown and directors Renee Powell and Trevor DeHart was so vague and overbroad it could impact teachers abilities to work in the district. In May, the board named as its next superintendent, Stephen Phillips, who was put on leave amid an investigation in his most recent Oregon superintendent role and who resigned from another superintendent position after retweeting an offensive remark about people who enter the country illegally. Robert Till, who is gay and a sophomore at Newberg High School, told the Associated Press that he is embarrassed to live in the city because of the ban. In a statement sent after the meeting, the Superintendent Cabinet of Newberg Public Schools said it is "shocked and dismayed that the Board would take this disruptive action in the middle of the school year.". The Board hires the superintendent, who is responsible to carry out Board policies, provide educational leadership and manage the District's budget and staff. But the board voted, again 4 to 3, to keep paying the attorney. U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat whose district includes Newberg, weighed in with an emailed statement from the U.N. Never mind that the Newberg School Board has made two significant decisions in the last month without involving many (or any?) Pefferle was fired over the blackface incident, according to the Newberg Graphic. Easterday granted a summary judgment in the case of teacher Chelsea Shotts vs. the district and the four conservative members of the board. The remaining board members have been involved in multiple lawsuits. Unfortunately, a few school board members are forcing through these inappropriate, and possibly illegal, changes, which will have long-lasting consequences and threaten student safety. But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. Ashley Pea, a Newberg student, said she came to the protest because the school board didn't listen to enough students before making their decision on Aug. 10. NEWBERG, Ore. (KOIN) The Newberg Education Association is suing the Newberg School District after the. The union claims that the district policy violates state and federal constitution. Schneider and other members who oppose the ban believe the flags provide a source of safety and security to underrepresented and vulnerable students. We're so sorry. Board member Ines Pea also pointed out that students weren't given enough of a say in the decision, even though they and their parents have shared stories detailing discrimination and feeling unsafe. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. 503-554-5041 "He had a very personal approach and didn't just sit in his office and make decisions arbitrarily. And I feel like thats not being heard. The board discussion and vote to remove Morelock was tense. The ruling validates our claims and assertions, the NEA release said. What brought you out tonight to the protest? The Newberg School Board usually meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The Wednesday protest failed to prevent the Board from adopting a more general, legalese-styled ban, as it more broadly bans political, or controversial materials, rather than the BLM or Pride flags specifically. (KATU) NEWBERG, Ore. Voters in the Newberg Schools community are turning out in big numbers for the hotly debated recall of two school board members. Shame on our school district for making decisions about these kids lives as if they really cared. The sequence of events documented in the lawsuit matches the sequence outlined in an agenda summary ahead of the board's Nov. 9 meeting, in which the board was scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider whether to overturn Morelock's decision. Controversy in Newberg persists after the recent Newberg School Board decision to ban both Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, and Pride flags. parents, moving secondary school schedules to trimesters, and changing start times to earlier for all ages. Appointed in 2022 - Term expires 6/30/23 NEWBERG, Ore. Newberg School District board member Ines Pea has resigned her position. Were trying so hard just to be equal and be heard. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. In the matter of three months, four people have completely destroyed that.. After the vote to remove Morelock, Penner and Piros spoke emotionally about his impact on the district, and the board majoritys lack of reasoning given for firing Morelock. He looked in people's faces and knew what impact his decisions would have.". We could have upheld the Newberg traditions of the past and collaborated together as a united team.. Morelock had been superintendent for two years and was under contract through June. Phone: (503) 554-5000, Fax: (503) 538-4374. In the board packet for Tuesday's school board meeting, one agenda item was to address Morelock's response to a Newberg citizen's complaint about a sign in the window of a classroom at Dundee Elementary. Board member Rebecca Piros said she can no longer work with people who she feels do not have the best interests of every student and every staff member at heart, KGW-TV reported. Superintendent Joe Morelock said he will have to meet with the district's lawyers before enforcing the ban. [1], It is mostly in Yamhill County, where it serves the cities of Newberg and Dundee. Be a part of it! A White man was scared to death of Ralph Yarl. Cherice Boch (left) and her son Espen at a Newberg protest on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. After hearing from a fraction of. Dont wait. Defendants and their agents acted under color or authority of state law, the lawsuit continued. The school board voted to ban Black Lives Matter and pride flags. Published: Jan. 18, 2022, 8:41 p.m. An initial attempt by the Newberg school board to ban Black Lives Matter and Pride imagery was met with widespread protests in the city. Penner said the decision will set the district back several years. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve. They cant discipline her or them for putting up a poster in violation of the policy.. Appointed in 2022 -Term expires 6/30/23 This is my senior year, and this ban will change everything.Jozie Donaghey, I came out tonight because I dont agree with the school board decision in banning our flags because I dont think theyre controversial. It makes me feel unsafe in my district and like Im not being heard., I would ask them how can you do that to your kids, your community? Our educators are united in their goal to create classrooms where students can walk in and feel like they belong.. I wish the entire board would join us in these efforts.. The Oregon Legislatures Black, Indigenous and People of Color caucus condemned the move and the American Civil Liberties Union told The Newberg Graphic the ban is likely unconstitutional. We are just destroying one another, Powell said. Think about the lives it will really affect. An Oregon school district voted Tuesday to ban Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ and other "political" signs, flags and articles of clothing from their campuses. She made remarks to a group of sixty in opposition to the recent ban on controversial symbols and imagery. Easterday also granted the school districts and board members argument that the policy is not necessarily discriminatory under Article 1, Section 20 of the state constitution. All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions as authorized by law. Sept. 23, 2022 9:50 a.m. Support the news and programs youll rely on in 2023 and beyond! Business meetings and work sessions are held at the Newberg School District Office, 714 East 6th Street, Newberg, Oregon. Individual leaders who have voiced concerns with this policy include the Mayor of Newberg and the President of George Fox University; both of these leaders issued a harsh rebuke of those who classify school as an inappropriate place for discussing contentious issues. State and local leaders across Oregon have spoken out against the actions of the board majority over the last few months. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. A simple pride or BLM flag in a classroom shows the love and acceptance that we need, Till said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The apparel rule would only apply to staff while they are working. Thats not their place, Shannon said. The ban is complaint-based. The Newberg Education Association, a union representing 280 educators and staff in the district, wrote in a statement that it is extremely disappointed over the decision from the conservative majority. This Oregon school-related article is a stub. Mailing Address for the Board Facing an ending fund balance of less than $500,000 on a $51 million General Fund Budget, Dr. Morelocks fiscal responsibility and his work to rebuild trust steadied the district. It is exclusive to this particular case, though, and doesnt apply to the other lawsuits that have been filed against the district and the school board, of which there are many. Attempts to gain comment from the author of the board policy amendment, Shannon, for his thoughts on the settlement were unsuccessful by press time Saturday. ", Oregon school district parent: Students of color 'are under attack' at Newberg schools, the Newberg Public Schools board voted 4-3 to keep any sort of political signage out of schools. This is a tough one, Im not going to lie.. "I'm baffled why you feel this needed to be done and why you feel it needed to be done tonight," Piros said. Kate Brown (D) announced last month that all teachers, staff and volunteers in the states public schools had to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 18. Newberg is a town of 23,000 situated 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Portland. These symbols arent hurting anyone and I dont see why banning them is necessary., Siblings Charlie (left) and Sophia Gates attended to protest because as Black students they say their voices are being silenced. If the school board had rescinded the policy back in August 2021, when we along with our Newberg community, spoke out publicly against the changes, and then again when we directly addressed the board on the matter warning them we would be forced to pursue legal action and finally when we served them with a tort claims notice, we could have saved hours of legal preparation and public funds, it said in the release. The. As a publicly elected official, mother, and human, I will not break the law or engage in open and hostile discrimination, she said. Many have called for the recall process of Board Member Shannon, the driving force behind the ban. Under new business, we are discussing the superintendent, said board chair Dave Brown. The settlement, according to a release from the Newberg Education Association, accomplished three things, primarily that the school board will not appeal the lower courts ruling that the ban be lifted; that the board will either add language to GBG recognizing the lower courts ruling or rescind the amendment entirely, which the board did at its Jan. 10 meeting; and that the board reimburse the union for a significant portion of the legal fees incurred from fighting this illegal amendment, the release said. Gunn then appealed Morelock's decision to the school board. Newberg school board officially approves policy banning political symbols, Newberg teachers sue district, school board members over political image ban in schools, Newberg school employee goes to work in blackface, is put on leave. This was the argument voiced by those who arrived on Oct. 1 not associated with Newberg Rejects White Supremacy Rally. At least one student at Newberg High School has been linked to a Snapchat group called Slave Trade, the Graphic reported, where teenagers nationwide share racist, homophobic and violent messages. Just stop the hate. I move that we table this and adjourn the meeting, I feel its too important to push this through, she said. Removing Superintendent Morelock from his post is part of a troubling national trend of extremist school boards ousting experienced, valuable school leaders, which is detrimental to the students they are supposed to serve, Bonamici wrote. Morelock, who was silent up to that point during the discussion of the resolution, answered. Forms will also be available at the regular session board meetings. PORTLAND, Ore. ( Pamplin Media Group) The union that represents the nearly 300 teachers in the Newberg School District is heralding a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed the school. The Newberg School District and four of its board members face a lawsuit over a policy banning political and quasi-political symbols. So everything will work out eventually.. The sign featured a rainbow, a heart, and the words "Be Known." He said in the Tuesday evening meeting that the policy championed and adopted by him and his conservative colleagues is very straightforward and shouldnt be controversial., We dont pay our teachers to push their political views on our students. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Newberg School District and four members of the district's board of directors, challenging the district's . The firing is effective Nov. 19 and according to board member Brandy Penner, the district will continue to pay Morelock his salary and benefits for the next 12 months, in addition to paying the salary and benefits for the district's next superintendent. Plaintiffs seek a declaration that the district policy prohibiting plaintiff association members from hanging, posting, erecting or otherwise displaying any posters, signs, flags, banners, pictures or other digital or physical image that depicts support of opposition relation to a policy, quasi-political or controversial topic, violates plaintiffs guarantees under Article 1, Section 20 of the Oregon Constitution against vague laws that confer unbridled discretion, because such discretion creates the potential for unequal application of the law, and thus arbitrary or unequal treatment of individuals, the filing said. The NEA said the boards decision to ban political symbols was unwarranted and ill-conceived, hence the settlement. Led by the superintendent, their goal was to review this situation over a period of six weeks in order to come to a determination about how to move forward. You know exactly why," she said. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Those in favor did not explain their decision. Its just such a bold statement to make. And Im just very disappointed in this decision., Thanks Rebecca, Morelock told her. But critics remain upset about what the adopted policy will mean for the school district. Director Zone 2 We are very disappointed in this decision.". Board Chair, Director Zone 6 This page is not available in other languages. At the end of the meeting, the resolution to fire Morelock passed, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting in favor. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. "I protest that none of you had anything to say about why you wanted to do this, that the public is ," Piros said before she was interrupted by Brown. But Brown added two new items, including one about Morelock. The Oregonian confirmed that the district will pay Morelock $175,000 over the next 12 months, cover his health insurance and pay $5,000 into an annuity on his behalf. During the meeting, staff members visibly shook their heads and teared up. Board member Brian Shannon urged the board to vote instead for the newly-revised ban described above, and move on from the controversy. Board Member Penner chastised Shannon for his disregard of the importance of this issue: Thats a ridiculous attempt at trying to pretend that this is nothing. The ban was passed in early August, and garnered a great deal of opposition from other board members, community members, and the state at-large. Trevor DeHart VIDEO:School board fires Newberg School District superintendent. The protest countered a new school policy that bans Black Lives Matter and Pride flags across Newberg School District facilities.Jozie Donaghey. Its clear their personal politics are stronger than any real desire to come together as a school community, the group said on Facebook. The settlement, rendered in December, means the court case will not go forward. There is no point in a federal judge striking down something that a state judge already had.. Brian Shannon, the Newberg School Boards vice chairman, introduced the measure over the summer. The vote came after a charged conversation in which three board members strongly objected to the resolution to fire Morelock. To get in touch with any Director, you may contact them directly or contact School Board Secretaryat 503-554-5000 The entire Board can be reached atboardmembers@newberg.k12.or.us. On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, who is the Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, released the following statement about the firing of Morelock: The action of the Newberg School Board in firing Superintendent Joe Morelock is wrong for students, wrong for educators, and wrong for the Newberg community. "That was her first reaction, grief," Pender said. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. 503-887-6447, Raquel Peregrino de Brito The Newberg Education Association argues the policy violates multiple sections of the Oregon and U.S. constitutions. We will be losing a leader who has pulled us out of financial ruin, who has rebuilt community, who has rebuilt relationships, she said. Were going to move forward.. ", "This feels so draconian this feels so anti-everything," Penner said. "It's over. Aruna Masih, the attorney from Portland law firm Bennett Hartman who was representing the NEA and the four teachers/counselors, said she couldnt comment on the particulars of the case, but speaking in general terms said that once two parties reach an agreement on resolution of a case, called a stipulated notice of dismissal, the court typically accepts the notice and dismisses the case. NEWBERG, Ore. A Yamhill County Circuit Court judge has ruled that the Newberg School District's ban on some symbols, including Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, is unconstitutional, the. At a demonstration Sunday, BLM supporters protesting the school boards policy clashed with some members of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that has endorsed violence, according to the Portland Tribune. The conservative majority on the school board in Newberg voted 4 to 3 to adopt a policy that has attracted national attention, criticism and protests in the weeks since it was introduced. For months, the Newberg School District has been making headlines, while its school board mulls a. With that, the board turned to their actual conversation about Morelock. They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. Newberg educators support Dr. Morelock and the 3 board members who tried their best to stop this atrocity. Board chair Dave Brown did not reply to a request for comment. At the start of the public meeting, the boards conservative 4-3 majority voted to add the superintendent discussion, seemingly based on what the board had talked about when they were behind closed doors. Two of those board members were elected this past May. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Sign up to get important news and culture from around the Northwest, delivered to your inbox six days a week. Jozie Donaghey | The Oregonian/OregonLive, ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners, construction of a large Pride flag within sight of the citys high school, The Newberg Graphic the ban is likely unconstitutional. The board decided to table the decision to uphold or reject the districts response to the complaint, voting along the same 4-3 line as with most other decisions they made Tuesday. This sentiment has been expressed by students who have recently given public comment in School Board meetings, one even stating that the Pride flag could mean life or death for some, given an estimate that at least one transgender minor attempts suicide every 45 seconds. "Dr. Morelock, we know you and we trust you and this pains us terribly," she said. Responding to Morelocks termination, Oregon House Democrats said theyll take action on Newberg in the next legislative session. The lawsuit further argued that prohibiting teachers from displaying signs in their classrooms was a violation of their rights of free speech and free association guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The students are not being heard., The board was also expected to work on "replacement language" for the district's anti-racism policy and consider re-examining the Oregon Department of Education's "Every Student Belongs" policy, which, in part, "prohibits hate symbols, specifically three of the most recognizable symbols of hate in the U.S. the swastika, the Confederate flag, and the noose.". The policy bans employees from displaying controversial or political signs or symbols. Those in favor did not explain their decision. Take action today! Shotts, a special education teacher in a Newberg elementary school, filed the lawsuit with the aid of the American Civil Liberties Union and a Portland law firm in late 2021, challenging the boards policy restricting political, quasi-political or controversial displays, including Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ flags. 503-501-6035, Renee Powell The board will later decide what counts as "political," but Pride flags and BLM messages were repeatedly referenced during the meeting. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Appointed in 2022 - Term expires 6/30/23 Making it easier for Black people to vote had unexpected consequences, Latinos who use Spanish-language social media get more misinformation, How public colleges have already backed away from affirmative action. Elected in May 2021 - Term expires 6/30/25 I believe we should be able to express how we feel about certain topics without judgement from the school district. It's a huge hit to our school district," she said. Electedin 2019 The employee was terminated from her position. The main office is located at 714 E. Sixth Street in Newberg. Im an elected official and I support my neighbors. Board of Directors "He made sure he was in schools every week with kids interacting," she said. Both the school principal and Morelock dismissed the complaint, saying the sign and its message are not political, quasi-political, or controversial. I think the point of this is to show that you are trying to sow division with extremist views and you have no interest in listening to the community, school board member Brandy Penner said in the meeting. Newberg Public Schools Board of Directors / YouTube. About 100 protesters gathered in downtown Newberg on Tuesday, weeks after a new conservative school board majority voted to ban staff and faculty from displaying Pride and Black Lives Matter banners in their buildings.
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