A Message From the Superintendent

Dear Bellevue School District Community, 

Yesterday, an antisemitic incident occurred at Newport High School when a swastika was displayed in a bathroom. This painful incident is a reminder that antisemitism persists and reflects broader concerns about its rise across our country and around the world. 

We have also learned that there is a social media post promoting a student walkout at Sammamish High School on Wednesday, October 7. The social media post uses antisemitic rhetoric, including: “BSD AND ZIONIST MEDIA ARE WORKING TOGETHER AGAINST STUDENTS!” and “scheming Zionist bureaucrats.” Although we do not believe Sammamish students created this content, we are concerned about the antisemitic rhetoric and the impact on students, including those who may consider participating in the walkout based on these posts. To be clear, we support our students’ constitutional right to free expression. However, antisemitic words and actions are unacceptable in our schools and fundamentally conflict with our aspiration to create a Beloved Community grounded in compassion and respect. 

As you know, October 7 marks the anniversary of the 2023 attack on Israel. We recognize that students hold differing views about current events and international conflicts and may wish to advocate for or against specific geopolitical solutions. However, choosing October 7 for such an action may negatively affect classmates, especially Jewish students, and may be experienced or interpreted as antisemitic or as discriminatory harassment. 

One of the truly special qualities of the Bellevue School District is the caring and inclusive school communities we have fostered among students from all backgrounds. We respect our students' deeply held perspectives and ask that, as they exercise their rights to free expression, they consider the unintended impact their actions may have on classmates and the pluralistic community we cherish across the district. 

Regarding student walkouts generally, I would like to take this opportunity to share the information below to explain how we respond to student-initiated activities of this kind. 

While students may choose to plan or participate in walkouts or protests as protected expression, schools are also responsible for maintaining safety and a learning environment free from discrimination and discriminatory harassment for all students, staff, and families. We are committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive school where every student experiences safety, belonging, and respect. This year, Wednesday, October 7, falls during our “Super Wednesday” schedule, when students in grades 11 and 12 will take the PSAT and SAT. We will not permit any activity that disrupts the testing environment. 

We believe the free expression of student opinion is an important part of education in a democratic society. Student protests have a long history in our country, with young people helping lead movements for women’s suffrage, civil rights, gun safety, and climate action. Student protests have been a powerful driver of change and are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As a district, we do not have the option of choosing between supporting students’ First Amendment rights and maintaining a school environment free from discrimination. We must do both: support students’ exercise of their First Amendment rights and maintain a school environment free from discrimination. 

To uphold both responsibilities, the following standards apply to student-led protests or walkouts and explain how the school will respond if one occurs during the school day: 

• Normal Schedule – If a protest or walkout occurs on campus, the school and classes will continue on their normal schedule for that day. 

• Free Movement – To protect the safety of students and others, administrators will ensure that students and staff can enter and leave buildings and classrooms and continue learning without interference from the protest or walkout. 

• Enhanced Supervision – The school will increase supervision during a student-led protest or walkout. School and district leaders will supervise participating students to help ensure safety. 

• On and Off Campus – We discourage students who participate in a protest or walkout from leaving campus. If students choose to leave campus as part of the event, we will notify law enforcement so it can manage any off-campus crowd-control needs and help keep students safe. 

• Closed Campus – Our campus remains closed to anyone without a preplanned event or activity at the school. Non-students may not participate in student-led protests or walkouts or engage with participating students. Staff members may not participate in, encourage, or discourage student-led protests or walkouts during the school day. 

• Prohibited Actions – Peaceful student demonstrations on campus are permitted under federal law and Bellevue School Board policy. However, the following actions are prohibited during a student-led walkout: 

• Putting themselves or others in danger, including banging on windows or blocking hallways, classrooms, entrances, or exits. 

• Engaging in speech or conduct that is not protected by the First Amendment in a school setting, including obscenity or profanity, true threats of violence, or speech or conduct that materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment or infringes on the rights of others. 

• Engaging in discriminatory speech or conduct that violates Policy 3210 (Nondiscrimination) or Policy 3207 (Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying). 

• Attendance – Students who miss instructional time to participate in a walkout will receive an unexcused absence. 

Thank you for your support and partnership as we work together to foster a Beloved Community across the Bellevue School District. We remain steadfast in our commitment to confronting antisemitism in all its forms, responding promptly when it occurs, and ensuring that Jewish students, staff, and families experience safety, belonging, and respect. By honoring our students' deeply held perspectives while encouraging them to consider how their words and actions may affect others, we can uphold the dignity of every member of our community and ensure all students are valued and supported. 

As your superintendent, I want every student, family, and staff member to know you do not have to navigate any concerns alone. Next week, or at any time, if you or your child experiences or witnesses conduct that you believe is discriminatory, harassing, intimidating, or threatening, or if your or your child simply feel unsafe, please encourage them to speak with a trusted staff member, counselor, or administrator or to file a report with the school. I assure you that we take every report seriously and respond in accordance with district policy and applicable federal and state law.  

Dr. Kelly Aramaki

 

Superintendent, Bellevue School District