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Committee hears broad support for designating Nov. 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Summary
Senate Bill 450 would designate Nov. 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Oregon. Supporters told the committee the day encourages conversations about civil rights, anti-bullying and inclusion; school districts like Salem-Keizer and Safe Routes to School coordinators testified about local events and growing participation.
The House Committee on Rules held a public hearing May 28, 2025, on Senate Bill 450, which would designate Nov. 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Oregon. Sen. Deb Patterson (District 10) introduced the bill and recounted Ruby Bridges' 1960 integration of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans and the broader historical context of Brown v. Board of Education.
Multiple current and former legislators, school officials, and students testified in support. Penelope Ivy spoke directly about Ruby Bridges' courage and urged a yes vote. Sen. James Manning Jr. and Rep. Travis Nelson described student engagement and educational value; Rep. Nelson said the bill offers "an opportunity to honor Ruby Bridges’ courage and reinforce values of inclusion, anti-racism and education." Beth Schmidt, Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School coordinator, and TJ Crockett, interim chief operations officer for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, described local events in which multiple schools participate, classroom preparation, and outreach to students and community leaders.
Committee members expressed appreciation for the testimony and shared personal reflections on the educational value of site visits and student engagement. The public hearing closed with no committee vote during this meeting.
