A RESOLUTION OF THE Yamhill County Democrats
CONDEMNING the action by the Newberg School Board, Reaffirms YCDs support for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members and freedom of speech.
WHEREAS, A 4-3 majority of the Newberg School Board voted to ban the use of Pride Flags, Black Lives Matter Flags and other articles of clothing or signs with similar symbols from all district facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Newberg School Boards new proposal directs the policy committee to draft language prohibiting the display of political signs, flags, apparel, buttons, and placards, and all other modes of display from District facilities, with the sole exception of the American Flag and Oregon state flag; and
WHEREAS, the Yamhill County Democrats is a party which embraces inclusivity and diversity; and
WHEREAS, the Yamhill County Democrats strive to provide a voice for every community member, including historically disenfranchised groups; and
WHEREAS, the stated goals of the Newberg School Boards website are to “Commit to becoming an Anti-Racism Board” and to “Create an equity lens to be used as a tool in board decisions”; and
WHEREAS, the actions of the Newberg School Board violate the First Amendment rights of everyone, with especially harmful effects for LGBTQ+ and communities of color; and
WHEREAS, the Newberg School Boards decision serves no inherent academic purpose and appears to be solely political; and
WHEREAS, this type of rule does not exist in any other district across the state;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE YAMHILL COUNTY DEMOCRATS
SECTION 1. Condemn the actions of a majority of the Newberg School Board Directors that serve no educational purpose and appear to be driven by political motives and call for the immediate reversal of the policy.
SECTION 2. Call on our State Legislators and local elected officials to take action to protect the First Amendment rights of historically politically disenfranchised communities.
SECTION 3. Voice our support and appreciation to the three Newberg School Board Directors who voted against the policy.
SECTION 4. Reaffirm our commitment to standing by the LGBTQ+ community and communities of colors against racist, xenophobic, and homophobic actions like the decision taken by the Newberg School Board.
Approved, August 26, 2021