|
To: Superintendents (ESDs and Districts), Charter School Leaders, Principals, K-12 Public Information Officers, Education Partners, Community Partners, Tribes
From: Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education
Date: February 21, 2025
Re: Every child matters and deserves access to an excellent school
Dear ODE Community,
On February 14, 2025, the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague Letter setting out its interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin, and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution provides that all people are entitled to equal protection of the laws. Many of you are aware of the Dear Colleague letter and have questions about how this letter impacts your obligations under federal and state law.
The Dear Colleague letter does not change existing federal law. The letter reiterates the existing requirement that entities receiving federal financial assistance follow federal civil rights laws. School Districts should continue to comply with federal civil rights laws. Oregon has long-standing core values and statutory commitments to ensure that every child is entitled to a high-quality educational experience free from discrimination or harassment, in compliance with federal laws.
Those commitments to the principles of anti-discrimination, equity, and inclusion are reflected in many different laws, including: disability rights in education (ORS 659A.103), rights to public spaces (ORS 659A.403), prohibitions on discrimination (ORS 659.850), pay equity (ORS 652), educator equity (ORS 342), the Oregon Sanctuary Law (ORS 180.805 - 180.810 and ORS 181A.820 - 181A.829), and more.
These laws rest upon decades of bipartisan efforts by Oregon policymakers to advance equitable access to educational opportunity. While the Dear Colleague letter does not change existing federal law, it does suggest how the federal government may apply and enforce federal law. ODE will continue to work with School Districts and partners to monitor action by the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to understand any changes in application or enforcement of federal civil rights law.
We remain committed to advancing policies that reflect Oregon’s values while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.
In Oregon, we are united by an unwavering belief that every child matters and deserves access to an excellent school where they can learn and thrive. Throughout our state’s history, public schools have been a powerful equalizer, providing the foundation for educating and supporting our diverse communities. In moments like these, we must anchor ourselves in these values, reaffirming our commitment to fostering safety and belonging—ensuring that both students and staff can focus on the joy of learning.
We appreciate your partnership in this work and will communicate quickly and transparently if there are any changes. Please let us know how we can support you in navigating these complexities.
In love & justice,
Dr. Charlene Williams
Director, Oregon Department of Education
|
