After ‘brave’ 10-year-old Redmond spouts racial slurs, school district says it ‘wants all students to feel safe’

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‘We want to know. We take it very seriously’

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Days after a 10-year-old fourth-grade student informed Redmond city councilors about his classmates’ frequent racist remarks, the Redmond School District released a statement on Friday regarding the efforts that he has made about it. questions, titled: “We want all students to feel safe”.

Here is the district’s statement, in full:

On Tuesday night, a brave student from the Redmond School District spoke about his experience of racism at a city council meeting to raise awareness about an issue that many may not know is happening in our own community.

It is the right of every student to feel safe and welcome in our schools, RSD Superintendent Dr Charan Cline said in response to Gavins’ story.

Fortunately, Gavin and his family contacted his school about the harmful language he described in his testimony when it occurred. Gavin’s parents contacted the school to let them know that inappropriate name-calling was happening on and around school, during recess and while walking to and from school.

After speaking to families, the elementary school counselor taught all students additional orientation lessons about treating everyone with respect.

The counselor gives regular lessons to elementary students on topics such as respecting each other’s differences, bullying and teasing, and what’s in someone’s circle of control.

Students also receive CharacterStrong courses, which emphasize engagement, well-being, and belonging. A character trait is highlighted each month, and teachers discuss with students every morning how they can implement that trait in their daily lives.

School counselor Lisa Rhoades said she works with students to help them understand the difference between joking, teasing and bullying. She also teaches students that bullying can be physical, emotional, verbal, and cyber. What Councilor Rhoades is saying is really important is to teach students about having a voice and what that looks like.

We tell them to say, I’m asking you to stop and if they don’t stop, go tell an adult. If you still feel bullied or discriminated against, keep saying so. said Rhoades.

Rhoades also has an anonymous mailbox where students can leave notes if something has happened that they are too embarrassed to talk about.

We want to know. We take this very seriously, Rhoades said.

Although the district is working to create an inclusive environment for all students, there is still work to be done. This year, the district held a kindness campaign in all schools, encouraging students to be kind to one another. In December, the district also held in-person listening sessions to try to capture an accurate picture of what students and families of color are experiencing in the district.

We will continue to try to improve student relations and create an inclusive environment, Dr. Cline added.

If your family or a student experiences racism in the school district, please contact the building superintendent immediately.

The Redmond School Districts mission is to provide a supportive, inclusive, stimulating, and academically rich learning environment that inspires and engages students, staff, and the community.

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