The Eugene 4J district unanimously approved their All Students Belong policy during Wednesday’s school board meeting. The new rule will ban the presence of hate symbols, such as a swastika, noose and the Confederate flag.
4J school board member Martina Shabram said she’s proud districts across the state are approving this policy. She still remembers hate incidents that took place a few years ago while visiting a Lane County school outside of the 4J district.
“A group of middle school students spent a couple days handing me a series of anonymous notes that had swastikas, some other alt-right symbols, and some really vile statements that alluded to the Holocaust written on them,” said Shabram.
The 4J district hopes the new policy banning hate symbols will provide a safer and more inclusive environment for all students and staff.
