Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Discipline And Support topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Portland school board leaders condemn hateful language about students, call for more training and support
Summary
Board chair and multiple members told the Jan. 21 meeting they heard recent public comments that described students with demeaning, hateful language and urged renewed investment in training, restorative approaches and supports for staff and students.
Portland Board of Public Education Chair Lentz on Tuesday told the board and public that recent comments directed at students had been “harmful at best and certainly hateful,” and urged the district and community to reaffirm support for students and staff.
The board chair said the episode showed a need for more investment in training and supports, but added that “if our collective mindset as a community is that our students are [punks, thugs and mobs], there is no training or support in this world that will do what we are asking.” She concluded, “We must never, ever give up on them.”
Why it matters: Board members framed the remarks as a community moment that affects both staff safety and students’ well‑being. Several board members said the district has begun trainings and restorative practices but has not yet delivered enough support at scale.
Board Member Bridal cautioned against jumping to simple judgments about people’s motives, saying, “If something is really confusing or isn't adding up . . . you probably won't have all the information,” and urging curiosity and nuance in responses to incidents. Board Member Yousra Ali asked those who emailed the board to “put themselves in the shoes of these students,” noting that many parents do not raise children to behave disruptively and asking for more grace and space to learn from mistakes.
Member Opperman—speaking as a teacher, parent and someone who has worked in juvenile justice—said words can cause deep harm and urged the community to avoid demonizing young people. Vice Chair Bando framed her perspective as a parent and said teachers need supports and accountability for investments in restorative practice and professional development.
The board did not take a formal vote on new policy at Tuesday’s meeting; several members asked the superintendent and staff to identify where additional investments can be made in the coming year and to return with options.
