Petition is addressed to: Protect Our Kids Group

The goal of "Keep Classrooms Neutral, Welcoming, and Focused on Learning" is to advocate for public school environments in the Hood River County School District that prioritize impartiality, inclusivity for all students regardless of background, and an emphasis on core academics over divisive ideological or political symbols and teachings. This initiative, as expressed through parent-led communications and formal complaints, seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:

Neutrality in School Spaces

• Remove symbols like pride flags, stickers, lanyards from classrooms, school property, and staff items, as they are viewed as endorsing specific political or social ideologies (e.g., gender ideology and LGBTQ+ advocacy). These are argued to violate district policies such as GBG (Staff Participation in Political Activities), which prohibits using public resources or school time to promote controversial views, and INB (Studying Controversial Issues), which requires balanced, moderated discussions without bias.
• Ensure compliance with state laws like ORS 260.432 (prohibiting public employees from political promotion on duty) and ORS 339.875 (mandating display of U.S. and Oregon flags), addressing inconsistencies where American flags are absent, undersized, or deprioritized compared to ideological symbols.
• Prevent the introduction of one-sided curricula on topics like gender fluidity or sexual orientation, which could be seen as indoctrination rather than education, shifting focus away from neutral learning.

True Welcoming for All Students and Families

• Create an inclusive atmosphere under Policy ACB (Every Student Belongs) and OAR 581-022-2312 by protecting all protected classes equally, including religion. Pride symbols are perceived as potentially hostile to families with faith-based beliefs (e.g., Christian, Muslim, or other traditions that conflict with certain LGBTQ+ views), leading to feelings of marginalization or bias incidents.
• Foster a space where no group feels targeted or excluded, emphasizing that symbols meant to signal safety for some should not inadvertently alienate others. The aim is to interpret "welcoming" as universal non-discrimination, not selective endorsement, ensuring religious, cultural, and neutral perspectives are respected without prejudice.

Focus on Learning and Academic Priorities

• Redirect school resources and discussions toward high-quality education free from distractions, harassment, or political disruptions. This includes age-appropriate, impartial teaching that avoids adult-oriented topics like sexuality in K-12 settings, allowing students to concentrate on core subjects.
• Promote community trust by holding district leadership accountable, such as through formal complaints against the superintendent for alleged misrepresentations of law (e.g., inaccurate claims about state mandates or court cases like Shotts v. Newberg School District) and failures to address concerns comprehensively.
• Ultimately, unite the community by restoring impartiality, which could reduce legal risks (e.g., under ORS 659.850 for discrimination) and encourage ongoing dialogue for school improvement.

This objective is rooted in parent concerns documented in emails and complaints, aiming to align schools with legal requirements, district policies, and the principle that public education should be a neutral "community of learners" without ideological promotion. If unaddressed, it may escalate to appeals with the Oregon Department of Education or further actions to protect student rights.