Every student belongs in school, every student deserves to learn in a welcoming, and safe environment.". We're going to lose so much from this action. By banning these symbols theyre saying were not accepted here.Jozie Donaghey, I came out tonight because I didnt agree with the school boards decision and didnt think they listened to enough student voices, so Im here exercising my right to protest for representation we deserve., You know, they mentioned a lot that putting these flags in classrooms would make people uncomfortable, but I think they should look at the other side of that tooby banning the flags, theyre saying were not accepted here. The employee was terminated from her position. And the packet that we just received a couple of hours ago, while we were in a meeting, is certainly not sufficient time for me to review it and understand it.. Why are prominent Los Angeles Latinos saying such racist things. I am proudly defiant of this boards illegal and immoral actions.. Newberg School Board loses 2 more members over recent controversies They gathered at 4:15pm on Sept. 29 at the Newberg city centers flagpole where, fittingly, the citys major highway splits. They were represented by Karen OCasey of the Portland law firm Hart Wanger. The board will later decide what counts as "political," but Pride flags and BLM messages were repeatedly referenced during the meeting. If you were in my position and someone took your love and support and identity away how would you feel? But the motion to adjourn the meeting was voted down, 4-3, with Brown, Shannon, Powell and DeHart voting to move forward. Morelock, who was silent up to that point during the discussion of the resolution, answered. Oregon's Newberg School Board bans Pride, Black Lives Matter symbols in The news got the attention of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who visited with Newberg advocates while she was on vacation. With their continued attack on symbols of support for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ pride, the school board is on a dangerous and harmful path. Piros seemed to allude to Morelocks lack of enforcement of the political symbols ban as a possible cause for his no-cause termination. She made remarks to a group of sixty in opposition to the recent ban on controversial symbols and imagery. Comments will be read in the order they are received. Since the school board approved the policy in September 2021, tension and conflict has continued among school board members, district employees and those in the Newberg community. 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. The Yamhill County Circuit Court has made a decision in a case filed last year by a Newberg teacher against the school district and four members of the school. I assume that is because the state court had already enjoined enforcement of the school board policy that led to both of the lawsuits. Were going to move forward.. Screenshot taken from YouTube. I believe we should be able to express how we feel about certain topics without judgement from the school district. NEWBERG, Ore. Newberg School District board member Ines Pea has resigned her position. Pamplin Media Group is a KOIN 6 News media partner. Schneider and other members who oppose the ban believe the flags provide a source of safety and security to underrepresented and vulnerable students. Newberg School Board voted 4 to 3 on November 9 to remove Dr. Joe Morelock as superintendent without cause. Newberg school board votes to fire superintendent, no cause given Newberg, Oregon 97132. I continue to stand with parents, students of color, LGBTQ students, and all members of the community who have courageously continued to speak out against the school boards unacceptable actions. Board members Brandy Penner and Rebecca Piros, both in the boards three-member minority, said the sign was not political, especially coming from George Fox, a private Christian university in Newberg. What brought you out tonight to the protest? "He made sure he was in schools every week with kids interacting," she said. In August the Newberg school board voted to ban pride and Black Lives Matter, and any broadly political signs, clothing, and other items. I dont believe this is political, its about human beings. 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? Just stop the hate. As an elected official you want to listen to understand their perspective and put yourself in the shoes of a gay person or trans person. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. We wish you well, were so sorry, she said. About 100 people turned out to protest the Newberg school board's decision to ban Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols. ", "Oregon school board drops ban on LGBTQ pride, Black Lives Matter and other symbols", "Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Newberg_School_District&oldid=1134844881, This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 00:40. Recently, The Newberg Graphic has reported on two different lawsuits that involve the ongoing feud between the conservative majority of the Newberg public schools board and the sinister mafia-esque group called Newberg Equity in Education, which as I have previously reported, is a splinter cell of Progressive Yamhill AKA Save Yamhill County PAC AKA Yamhill County Democrats, led by Lynette Shaw . [6], The Newberg School District made news headlines for voting to ban "political" symbols from school grounds, including Pride and Black Lives Matter imagery. 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. I wanna ask why? The. Two of those board members were elected . Pefferle was fired over the blackface incident, according to the Newberg Graphic. Oregon school worker suspended for showing up in blackface in apparent protest of vaccine mandate. 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.. Former board member Ines Pea resigned several months ago, alleging that she faced a toxic work environment on the board. A pair of petitions to recall Newberg school board vice chair Brian Shannon and board chair Dave Brown have each officially obtained enough signatures to qualify for a vote next month, Yamhill . Piros concluded the meeting by addressing Morelock. I just cant stand for it., The lack of action prior to this did not demonstrate any harm. Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday Building doors are locked at this time, please ring doorbell for entrance. The disputes in the Newberg School Board have come as schools nationwide have become rife with arguments over vaccine and mask mandates, how racism is addressed in teaching, instruction related to sexuality and gender-neutral bathrooms. Because they're cowards and they know they're going to get sued. NEA settles lawsuit against Newberg OR School District, board The amended policy remains as a ban on all political or quasi-political signs displayed by teachers. My mom, in the 50s and 60s, fought for Black rights. It argues that the policy violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing free speech and the 14th Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. Penner and Piros said the packet outlining the resolution to fire Morelock was not provided to board members until the executive meeting, hours before the board meeting, and so there was insufficient time to review the motion. My daughter wears rainbow pajamas all the time, Shannon said. 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. This Oregon school-related article is a stub.