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Board urges Archdiocese to respect teachers' rights after proposed handbook language
Summary
The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Archdiocese of San Francisco to respect teachers' working rights and individual conscience after proposed changes to school handbooks prompted complaints from school staff, students and parents.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution on March 3 urging the Archdiocese of San Francisco to respect the working and individual rights of teachers and administrators while the archdiocese considers revisions to teacher handbooks.
The action followed extensive public comment earlier in the meeting from teachers, parents and high‑school students at archdiocesan schools who said proposed handbook language — described by speakers as morality clauses that could require staff to affirm or adhere to specific church teachings — created fear, uncertainty and the risk of job loss.
Supervisor Farrell, who authored the board resolution, framed the action as a defense of teachers and the city’s inclusive values while recognizing the church’s right to advance its teachings. "These recent events have overshadowed the inspiration we are getting from Rome," Farrell said during debate, calling for resolution language that honors contributions of teachers and respects individual conscience.
Speakers from multiple affected schools told the board they feared the handbook changes would force teachers to choose between employment and conscience. Several student speakers said they had organized and that their schools were inclusive communities that would be harmed by the proposed language. "Our teachers have sacrificed so much to be where they are," one parent speaker said. Student speakers added that changes would chill classroom discussion and drive high‑quality teachers away.
The resolution passed unanimously on roll call. The clerk read the tally: "There are 11 ayes ... this resolution is adopted unanimously." The adopted text calls on the archdiocese to respect teachers' working rights and to engage with school communities while considering handbook revisions.
The resolution does not impose legal requirements on the archdiocese (a private religious institution) but serves as a formal statement of the board's position and was accompanied by public testimony from students, parents and teachers from multiple archdiocesan schools.
