David Douglas board proclaims Latinx Heritage Month and adopts Indigenous Peoples' Day resolution

The David Douglas School Board read and approved two public proclamations: one recognizing National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) and a second establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day observances on district calendars.

The Hispanic/Latinx proclamation noted district demographics and statistics included in the board packet: the district’s self‑reported Hispanic/Latinx enrollment share (presented as 30.6 percent of enrolled students), historical growth figures, a cited four‑year cohort graduation rate for Latinx students (66.5 percent for the 2023–24 cohort) and leadership and staffing data the packet listed. The proclamation also referenced broader statewide investments such as the Student Success Act.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Day resolution recognized that the district is on the traditional homelands of the Multnomah and Clackamas (Chinookan) peoples, reaffirmed the district’s equity policy commitments and directed that district calendars and the website reference October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The resolution encouraged staff to use the second Monday in October as an opportunity to reflect on indigenous histories and to include regionally specific content in instruction.

Board members noted an internal discussion about inclusive terminology (some speakers referenced Latinx versus Latine) and encouraged staff and communities to observe the months and events listed in the proclamations.

Ending: The proclamations were read aloud and adopted; board staff will place language on the district calendar and website and encourage school observances and community events.