Highline board adopts 'Our schools, our promise' resolution to affirm protections for LGBTQIA+ and immigrant students

The Highline School Board on March 2025 adopted Resolution 02-25, “Our schools, our promise: a stand for every student,” affirming the district’s commitment to maintaining safe, welcoming schools for all students, including LGBTQIA+ and immigrant students. The motion carried on a 3-0 roll call vote.

The resolution says Highline will uphold state and federal law and district policies and use “all lawful powers” to protect students and community members targeted by recent federal statements and actions; it specifically cites Washington state law, Senate Bill 5462 (2024), and the U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe (1982) in its text. The board read the resolution at the meeting and then voted to adopt it after public comment and director remarks.

Board members and staff framed the resolution as a response to national developments that community members said were causing fear among students and families. Director Alvarez, who provided background for the resolution during the discussion, said recent federal actions have targeted immigrant and transgender communities and that the resolution is meant to reassure students and families that the district will stand for their rights and safety. Director remarks reiterated a district strategic focus on a “culture of belonging.”

More than a dozen community members and school staff addressed the board during the scheduled communications portion. Speakers included longtime district staff and parents, principals, teachers, school social workers, union representatives, and students. Many speakers urged adoption, saying an official statement from the district would help students feel safer in school and underline the district’s existing policies against bullying and discrimination. Supporters described examples from classrooms and school events and linked belonging to academic outcomes and well-being.

Not all commenters supported the district’s approach. At least one speaker, Patricia Bailey, urged the board to revise institutional policy 32-11 (as she referenced it) and expressed concerns about bathroom and locker-room policies; another speaker, Alex Myrick, criticized district spending priorities and urged a stronger focus on literacy and reading outcomes. Board members acknowledged dissenting comments and noted the resolution does not replace policy review or other actions but serves as a public reaffirmation of existing legal obligations and district commitments.

The board formally moved the resolution during the action items portion. Director Alvarez made the motion to adopt Resolution 02-25 and a colleague seconded. On roll call, Vice President Tidholm (recorded on the roll), Director Alvarez, and President Van voted in the affirmative. The clerk recorded the motion as passing “3 to none.”

The resolution text adopted at the meeting reaffirms the district’s commitment to prohibit bullying, discrimination, and harassment; directs communication of the resolution to staff, families and stakeholders; and states that district administration will implement applicable federal and state laws and district policies, including policy/procedure 32-11 as referenced in the resolution. The resolution also directs principals, teachers, students and families to report discriminatory behavior according to district procedures.

Board and district leaders said they expect additional work to follow the resolution, including staff guidance and training. Highline Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran thanked speakers and the board for the vote and called on the community to join the district in supporting students. The Highline Education Association president later addressed the board in support of the measure.

Votes and next steps related to the resolution were recorded in the meeting minutes; the district said it will share the adopted resolution with staff and stakeholders and proceed with implementation steps under existing policies.