Our Schools, Our Promise: A Stand For Every Student
The Highline Public Schools' Board of Directors stands firm in its commitment to protect students, staff and families regardless of background, identity or immigration status.
During a standing-room-only meeting on March 5, the board unanimously approved Resolution 02-25: Our Schools, Our Promise – A Stand for Every Student.
"With this resolution, we want to make it clear that Highline is unwavering in its support for every member of our community,” said Board President Joe Van. “We are committed to ensuring that all students, staff and families are free from harassment, discrimination and bullying—no matter their identity or personal characteristics."
Commitments in Resolution
Resolution 02-25 emphasizes Highline’s dedication to a culture of belonging, as outlined in our strategic plan. It commits to upholding School Board Policy, as well as state and federal laws that protect students from discrimination and harassment, including those based on race, gender identity, religion, immigration status and other identities.
Commitments in the resolution include:
- Upholding Highline School Board policies and Washington state laws, regardless of federal actions.
- Protecting our LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are transgender, by adhering to federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
- Affirming the right of all students to a public education, regardless of immigration status, as established in federal law.
- Rejecting all forms of discrimination, including antisemitic actions and religious harassment.
- Ensuring safe and equitable school environments, where bullying, discrimination and harassment are not tolerated.
“We know this work will continue beyond the resolution. We are dedicated to ensuring every Highline student feels welcomed, valued and safe, and receives a quality education," said Superintendent Ivan Duran. "I urge our community to join us in this commitment. Now more than ever, we need protectors who serve with humility and justice.”
Voices of Support: Community Members Speak Up
Twelve individuals provided testimony in favor of the resolution at the board meeting, including principals, teachers, parents, retired Highline employees, paraeducator, administrative assistant, community partner and social worker.
Here are some of the comments made in support during public testimony.
“I'm here tonight to voice my strong support for Resolution 02-25 because safe and welcoming schools are not just ideals, they are a necessity. Every student deserves to walk into their classroom knowing they belong, that they are protected, and that their identity is valued." Tilly Phoenix, Paraeducator and Parent
“I am speaking tonight on behalf of Teamsters 763, which represents about 1,000 Highline classified staff. I urge the school board to pass the resolution. Many Highline 763 members live in-district and are parents of Highline students. The majority of us are women, and many are people of color, immigrants and queer folk. Creating a safe and welcoming community impacts us very personally. Teamsters are here not only to support our union members, but also in solidarity with the students and families we serve and work with every day.” Anne Slater, Administrative Assistant
“I'm here as a queer person in the district, and this helps me continue to want to show up as an employee, knowing that I will be seen in my fullness and my wholeness so that I can in turn give that to my students and the families that I support as well.” Highline staff member
“I am here to speak in favor of 02-25 and to stand for our students. The kids know who they are. The kids at Midway and our community accept others for who they are. They just need adults to protect and support their identity, their background, their culture, and their status without prejudice or discrimination.” Lyon Terry, Principal
Below is the text of the resolution, which can be translated using our website translation tool. A printed copy of the resolution is available on our website in English.
HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 401
RESOLUTION 02-25
OUR SCHOOLS, OUR PROMISE: A STAND FOR EVERY STUDENT
A RESOLUTION affirming the district’s commitment to creating safe & welcoming schools and upholding state and federal laws and district policies and procedures.
WHEREAS, Highline Public Schools is proud to be a diverse community of students, staff, families, volunteers, and community members, representing multiple countries, cultures, and languages and identities; and
WHEREAS, Highline’s strategic plan prioritizes a Culture of Belonging in which all are welcomed, valued, and safe; and
WHEREAS, Highline is committed to ensuring every member of our community feels safe and supported, regardless of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, immigration/citizenship status, religion, ancestry, family compositions, or physical characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the State Legislature has recognized the value of inclusive learning materials, defining “inclusive” as those that reflect the “histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups” and confirms inclusive curricula improve students’ mental health, academic performance, attendance, and graduation rates of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities (SB 5462, 2024); and
WHEREAS, Washington law protects individuals from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, or disability, ensuring equal access to education and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, federal law, as established in Plyler v. Doe (1982), guarantees the right of all children, regardless of immigration status, to a public education; and
WHEREAS, the Highline School Board is committed to policies and practices that uphold students’ rights and dignity, ensuring safe and equitable learning environments, and comply with Washington state law, federal law, and district policies and procedures; and
WHEREAS, recent statements and actions at the federal level are causing uncertainty and fear among some students, families, and staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
That the Highline School Board is committed to upholding district policies and state laws, regardless of federal actions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Highline School Board and the district leadership will use all lawful powers to protect our LGBTQIA+ students and community members, through implementation of federal and state laws and district policies, including Policy and Procedure 3211.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the district shall not tolerate discriminatory behavior, including anti-Semitic actions and other forms of religious harassment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Highline Board of Directors reaffirms its commitment to creating safe and equitable school environments through district policies prohibiting all types of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. Principals, teachers, students, and families are encouraged to immediately report such behaviors according to district policies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the district shall communicate this Resolution to district staff, families, and other stakeholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Highline School District Board of Directors adopts this Resolution on the 5th day of March, 2025.