School Board Member ____________________ introduced the following Resolution and

moved its adoption:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING EQUITY

FOR HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED/MARGINALIZED STUDENTS AND
ADOPTING GOVERNMENT SPEECH IN SUPPORT OF THE SAME

WHEREAS, Rochester Public Schools is on an equity mission to provide each student

with a welcoming and inclusive environment for learning and success;

WHEREAS, historically underserved/marginalized students are students in Rochester

Public Schools whom systems have disadvantaged because of their race, ethnicity,
English language proficiency, national origin, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual
orientation, non-dominant identity, dis/ability or geographic location;

WHEREAS, as leaders in Rochester Public Schools, we choose to speak out in response

to the recent national and local events that have called attention to racist attitudes and
actions, xenophobia, discrimination, bias, societal race-based disparities, and other forms
of systemic racism that have persisted for centuries;

WHEREAS, this unique and historic moment in our country’s evolution presents an
opportunity and a challenge for all of us to be part of creating a better educational
community for historically underserved/marginalized students;

WHEREAS, we are responsible for nurturing anti-racist learning environments where all
children, staff members, and families are respected and valued for who they are;

WHEREAS, we resolutely stand, and will speak out, against all hate, bias, racism, and
violence;

WHEREAS, the School Board and the Administration are committed to ensuring that each
student is inspired, challenged, and empowered with the knowledge and skills required
to reach their full potential, to contribute to future generations, and to become involved
members of a global community.

WHEREAS, the School Board and the Administration are committed to constantly
examining the District’s policies and practices in order to remove obstacles that may
contribute to systemic inequity; and

WHEREAS, the intent of this resolution is (1) to declare that that the lives of our
historically underserved/marginalized students, staff, families and community members
matter; and (2) to adopt government speech in furtherance of these objectives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School
District No. 535, Rochester Public Schools, as follows:

1. We believe that the lives of our historically underserved/marginalized students, staff,

families, and community members matter.

2. We reaffirm the Equity Beliefs statement approved by the Rochester School Board on
September 15, 2020.

3. We condemn all forms of unlawful discrimination and systemic racism.

4. We condemn all manifestations and expressions of racism, xenophobia,
discrimination, ethnic or racial intolerance, bias, bullying, hate speech, and violence
directed at our historically underserved/marginalized students, staff, families and
community members.
5. We commit to fostering a school environment that promotes respect for and curiosity
about all cultures, and that affirms the equal humanity of all our students, staff
members, families, and community members.

6. We adopt the following messages of inclusion as official government speech:

a. “Black Lives Matter.”
b. “Brown Lives Matter.”
c. “Indigenous Lives Matter.”
d. “All Are Welcome Here.”
e. “Stop Asian Hate.”

In addition to the messages outlined above, we adopt the display of the six-colored
(red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet) rainbow pattern and flag, also referred
to as the “pride flag,” as government speech supporting a message of inclusion
within Rochester Public Schools.
We authorize the Superintendent to promote this government speech across the
District and to approve additional messaging, signage, and visuals that are consistent
with this government speech and that further the objectives of this Resolution.
7. By adopting the government speech set forth in Paragraph 6, we are expressing our
support for the truths that Black, Brown and Indigenous lives matter, that all are
welcome within Rochester Public Schools, and that hate directed at Asian
communities is unacceptable. Our adoption of this government speech is not to be
construed as an endorsement of any specific policy objectives that may be advanced
by other organizations using the same or similar messaging beyond the fact that we
believe in the importance of sharing a general message of acceptance and inclusion
of historically underserved/marginalized individuals, which is consistent with the
District’s legal obligation to provide a workplace and educational environment that is
 free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
and other legally protected classes.

8. We will seek to amplify diverse perspectives in support of historically

underserved/marginalized students, their families, and educators. We will not only
listen to their concerns and aspirations, but also pledge to leverage those concerns
and aspirations to inform our decisions.
The motion for the adoption of this Resolution was duly seconded by School Board
Member _______________________ and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor of the Resolution:

And the following voted against the Resolution:

Whereupon this Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.