Every Student Belongs

Springfield Public Schools’ Every Student Belongs Policy (ACB) is aligned with Oregon state law to ensure safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students, staff, parents, caregivers and visitors in all of our schools. 

The Every Student Belongs Policy is designed to eliminate bias, discrimination, and harassment by prohibiting symbols of hate within District facilities or at District events, clearly defining incidents of bias, and providing procedures for the reporting, investigation, and documentation of bias incidents. Additionally, the policy provides guidance for responding to bias in ways that provide healing and agency for persons who have been harmed and accountability and education for those who have caused harm. 

The Every Student Belongs Policy was adopted in Springfield Public Schools in December of 2020, after the State Board of Education approved a temporary administrative rule, earlier that fall, banning symbols of hate in Oregon schools. In February of 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2697, codifying the Every Student Belongs Law into statute and bringing the state law into alignment with policies that many Oregon school districts had already adopted. 

"All students are entitled to a high-quality educational experience, free from discrimination or harassment based on perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. All employees are entitled to work in an environment that is free from discrimination or harassment based on perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. All visitors are entitled to participate in a school or educational environment that is free from discrimination or harassment based on perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin." ~ excerpt from Every Student Belongs policyAll school-based staff are trained on the Every Student Belongs Policy and all SPS school administrators receive training on the policy as well as the District's Bias Incident Complaint and Response Procedure. The SPS Office of Equity & Inclusion provides ongoing support to administrators when navigating the bias response process, as well as training for all new staff as they join the District.

This Every Student Belongs Policy underscores Springfield Public Schools’ dedication to promoting safety and belonging for every student and helping all students succeed.