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Dear Bethel Families, Staff, and Students,
In Bethel, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. This means ensuring that all students—regardless of their gender identity or expression—experience safety, respect, and affirmation in our schools. Our commitment to equity and inclusivity guides every aspect of our work, from classroom practices to district policies.
This is the third of three messages to reaffirm our support for all Bethel students and families. To view the first message, click here. To view the second message, click here.
We understand that changes at the federal level may raise particular concerns for our LGBTQ+ families. While national policies may shift, our dedication to maintaining safe, supportive, and affirming schools will not change. Bethel’s schools are welcoming spaces where every student is celebrated for who they are and empowered to succeed.
The Bethel School District firmly believes that all students deserve to be safe, and students who express or identify differently than their gender assigned at birth should never experience exclusion, discrimination, harassment, or bullying. As a community entrusted with the well-being of our students, we are committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environment that supports the physical, psychological, and educational needs of every student.
Bethel’s policies reflect these values and provide clear protections for our students:
Policy JFD, Student Gender Identity and Expression, ensures that all students have the right to express their gender identity in a way that is authentic to them, with the support of their school. Policy AC, Nondiscrimination, protects every student from harassment, discrimination, and inequitable treatment based on gender identity or any other factor. Policy ACB, Every Student Belongs, emphasizes that our schools must be safe and inclusive spaces for all, regardless of identity. Policy JOB, Personally Identifiable Information, safeguards students’ private information, ensuring their identities are respected and protected.
In addition to our board policies, we are excited to announce that Bethel, beginning next school year, will be incorporating “Welcoming Schools” programming in all its schools. The program aims to create inclusive, respectful and supportive schools for all students by preventing bullying, supporting students and embracing diversity.
Bethel schools are welcoming spaces where every student is celebrated for who they are, supported in their unique identities, and empowered to succeed. Thank you for being part of the Bethel family and for joining us in creating a community where all students feel a strong sense of belonging and safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about these policies or about a student in our district, please feel free to reach out directly to me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kraig Sproles, Superintendent, Bethel School District
kraig.sproles@bethel.k12.or.us
541.689.3280
Additional resources and support for our LGBTQ+ students and families:
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