A school district in Washington state has adopted what it calls a “culturally responsive” student discipline policy that takes into account race and ethnic background in doling out punishment.
The board’s two conservative members voted against the policy.
“Until we, the five of us, have discussed all these definitions at work—until we do that, I think we are negligent to send this forward,” Paul Wagemann said at the videotaped meeting.
“Let’s say we both commit the same offense. Then the question should be what are the consequences of that offense and how do we go through that process? And to be fair, if we both did the same thing, we should get the same consequence the way I see it,” Wagemann said.
At the same time, it seeks to implement a “culturally responsive” policy that “provides every student the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success.”
Deputy Superintendent Brian Laubach said at the March 14 meeting the policy is to promote student equity “across the ethnicities.”
Laubach did not respond to a question from The Epoch Times asking how student discipline can be applied equitably if punishments are decided based on a student’s race, ethnicity, or cultural background.
Superintendent Ron Banner also did not respond to an email seeking comment on the new policy.
Board president Alyssa Anderson Pearson, however, said the district policy does not make race the basis for student discipline.
“Contrary to recent inaccurate news coverage and social media posts, Clover Park School District’s student discipline policy does not make race the determining factor for administering discipline,” Pearson said in a statement.
“It contains no such provision. The recent update of our policy is based on a Washington State School Directors Association model policy. It has been adopted by multiple school districts and is in alignment with state law.
“Our district has high standards for student behavior. It is the intention of the school board that discipline policies and procedures be implemented in a manner that supports a positive school environment, maximizes instructional time, and increases educational opportunity for all.
“The student discipline process is a learning opportunity for students to improve behavior and contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment,” Pearson added.
The Democrat-sponsored law was signed by the governor in April 2021.
The bill provides training opportunities for school directors to increase their “personal cultural proficiency, understand the terminology, and learn about the impacts of equity, diversity, and inclusion on student outcomes.”
“Training focuses on the role of the school board and how, through policies and practices, school directors can use their leadership position in education to close the gaps in various success factors for their students.”
It also calls for the training of school district staff and superintendents as well as other education groups to promote diversity and cultural competency in the schools.
Wagemann told The Epoch Times his goal as a school board director is to provide opportunities for students “to achieve educational competence and/or receive an excellent education.”
“Unfortunately, our board rules prevent us from giving opinions that differ from the majority vote of the board,” Wagemann said.
