A Respectful School Environment
Dec. 17, 2024
Commitment to a Respectful and Inclusive School Environment
________
Dear U-46 Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment in all School District U-46 schools. It is important to remind our community that hate speech and offensive language have no place in our educational spaces. We believe in fostering an atmosphere where every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
Recently, we have encountered a concerning rise in the use of hate speech and offensive language within U-46 schools, especially the use of the N-word. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term (the N-word) as "used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a member of any dark-skinned race or member of a class or group of people who are systematically subjected to discrimination and unfair treatment."
The N-word is recognized as derogatory, degrading, and dehumanizing, making it one of the most offensive words in history. Unfortunately, it is too often used casually by some in popular songs, TV shows, social media content, literature, and society, with its usage expanding across various racial and generational backgrounds. However, the use is not acceptable in a school setting, school-sponsored event, or on any School District U-46 property. The stigma attached to this word evokes painful memories and fosters inhumane sentiments. This term, and the harmful beliefs it represents, have led to unimaginable suffering and loss of life. This word and other discriminatory words and actions have no place in our learning environments, and we are committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, respectful, and inclusive for all students.
It is important for students to understand what is expected of them:
What students should do: Always treat others with respect, kindness, and empathy. If you witness or experience any offensive or hateful language, speak up and seek help from a trusted adult. Supporting one another and standing against discrimination helps create a stronger school community.
What students should not say: Students must avoid all forms of hate speech, slurs, and offensive language that target someone's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or other personal characteristics while in a U-46 building or attending an event sponsored by the school district. Such language is harmful and can have lasting effects on those targeted, regardless of whether it is said in a non-threatening or threatening manner.
When to seek help: If a student hears or experiences hate speech or offensive language, it’s crucial to report it to a teacher, counselor, or administrator immediately. No student should feel unsafe or unwelcome at school, and we are here to provide support. Students may also report incidents through U-46 Let’s Talk or other options offered through their school.
We want to reiterate that hateful language and discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated in our schools. School District U-46 and its schools take this issue seriously, and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct. Hate speech is addressed in all four levels of misconduct, and includes consequences up to suspension and/or expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident.
We encourage all families to review the Student Code of Conduct, with special attention to the section on hate speech. This will help reinforce the expectations for respectful behavior and the seriousness of the consequences for violating these standards. These guidelines are designed to ensure that all reports are taken seriously and handled with the utmost sensitivity and urgency. Please take some time as a family to discuss the seriousness of these behaviors.
While these incidents may not be happening at your child’s school or involve your child, we find it crucial to remind our community of the resources and support available to address these concerns. Our priority is to educate and empower our students to embrace diversity and respect differences.
Join us for our Creating Respectful and Inclusive Schools webinar at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, to learn about our commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive school environments. We’ll provide an overview of our student code of conduct, share resources to support students, and discuss how we address hate speech and offensive language in our schools. Register for the webinar at info.u-46.org/inclusivewebinar.
Additionally, here is a resource guide in English and Spanish by Connect Safety for parents and educators to help facilitate discussions with children about hate speech.
Please know that we are here to support our students and families. Should you have any concerns or need further clarification on our policies, do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s administration or our U-46 Equity and Innovation Office via Let’s Talk.
Thank you for your partnership in helping to create a school environment where all students feel respected, valued, and safe. Together, we can foster a community where hate has no place.
Sincerely,
Dr. Suzanne Johnson, Superintendent