The Hamilton Southeastern Schools student handbook has had language about microaggressions since June of 2022, but the recently-elected board voted Wednesday 5-2 to remove that language. Ben Orr, Tiffany Pascoe, Dawn Lang, Juanita Albright and Suzanne Thomas voted to remove the microaggression language, replacing it with new wording. Sarah Donsbach and Sarah -Parks-Reese voted no.
Here is the student handbook language that will replace the microaggression passage:
HSE schools is committed to providing each student with learning experiences that are deep and relevant, and encourage the development of each student’s unique identity. HSE will meet each student where they are and make the dignity of each individual a priority while respecting all students and teachers’ diverse backgrounds and beliefs. HSE supports all students as they foster relationships with character, acceptance, respect, and education for all.
Here is what the student handbook said before Wednesday night’s vote:
Microaggressions can be defined as everyday, subtle, intentional or unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups. While Hamilton Southeastern High School understands those individuals communicating a microaggression might not intend to express bias, the school recognizes the responsibility to educate students on the reality of bias perceptions. Issues regarding microaggressions may be addressed through restorative conversations led by school administration and/or guidance counselors rather than punitive measures. Habitual occurrences could lead to consequences applicable to inappropriate conduct as defined in Section 28 (another section of the handbook).
The public comment period saw 27 people speak on the handbook issue. Those supporting a removal of the microaggression language objected to the reference to “historically marginalized groups” and not all groups. Others pointed out that the board put this item on the agenda as an action item and the final version of the replacement language was available only hours before the board meeting. It was also pointed out that this contradicts what the board said at a work session about using the process involving staff and students before presenting handbook changes to the board.
Board member Ben Orr said the microaggression language “actually works counter to its intended goal and it stifles free speech, open dialogue and offers no due process.”
Sarah Parks-Reese argued to keep the current language and read a letter from a teacher citing a long list of microaggressions she has witnessed in her school.
The board action takes effect immediately.
So disappointed with removing the microagression language. It’s proven to help improve inclusion and teaches students to be more empathetic and prepares them for working in a much more diverse corporate environment where these skills are expected. The replaced language is a lot of words but how does it teach students proper behavior.
Important correction- Sarah did not “witness” that long list. Someone or some people emailed her that. When these events took place, where were the witnesses? Why were there no consequences? If someone is willing to take the time to send Sarah this info, wouldn’t that person have brought any of that to the attention of the school staff?? Things that make you go hmmmm…
Thank you for the comment, Rachel. Here is what I wrote – “Sarah Parks-Reese argued to keep the current language and read a letter from a teacher citing a long list of microaggressions she has witnessed in her school.” That is an accurate summary of Ms. Parks Reese’s comment. You may agree or disagree with her arguments, but that was what she was asserting.
Who said they didn’t handle the situation? Not me. These were just real examples from our schools.
If all of the situations were handled with existing protocols then I’m missing your point why you feel the need to restrict speech.
What speech was being restricted? What exactly do you think kids should be able to say that they weren’t allowed to with the micro-aggressions policy?
You don’t think that was their first move? Use your brain before comment on public forums.
Board action takes effect immediately for the draft version of the 2023-2024 handbooks, not the current school year.
The motion specifically said it would take effect “immediately.” Will check on that. Thanks for the comment.
Sarah Parks Reese said “headgear” instead of hijab. That’s a microaggressions from a true bigot. Extremely offensive!!!!!!
Putting aside the microaggressions statement in the handbook, it is important to note the the board, in their passing of this handbook policy, ignored their previous statements that they would follow the standard process for handbook changes, ignored their commitments to transparency (and possibly violated open door policies in the crafting of the statement and in organizing this rushed process), ignored their commitments to listen to all stakeholders including parents, staff who overwhelmingly showed up in support of the policy, ignored students who requested the policy. Then they had the gall to lecture the community on respect and setting a good example? How about they respect the community and set a good example by following the rules that the community established and that they agreed to uphold. It appears that paying back Fishers One for their election victory is more important that respecting the HSE community.
Ignored in all this concern over removing the microaggression language is that the current and previous versions of the HSE student handbooks had a very well-defined section on bullying. Microaggressions is open-ended and potentially against 1A free speech. It is part of the victimology indoctrination pushed through the DEI programs. HSE should be focused on teaching all students core academic studies and to be self-reliant citizens, assured of their own self-worth, and able to deal with personal issues on an individual basis.
When that is not enough to mitigate bullying, the school must step in a prosecute those who are doing the bullying. The Board would be well served to tackle discipline issues within HSE next, starting with having real consequences when violations are claimed, reviewed, and proved. Those consequences for bullying must include the parents since they have the responsibility to teach children that bullying is not an acceptable behavior.
How is it victim Ology indoctrination what actually happened? Slavery happened. And trying to shove it under the rug and not teach our kids the true history is doing them at the service. Also, you clearly have no concept of what DEI even is…. It’s been proven to help kids be more empathetic and compassionate in schools. Something Republicans don’t seem to care about.
Why do you care about free speech in schools but as a library board member you want to censor books?
How about just teaching our students math, science, history, english, etc. and leave the woke BS out of the curriculum.