Posted on Dec 21, 2023
Forest Hills School Board rescinds 'Culture of Kindness' resolution following lawsuit
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After a legal battle that lasted more than a year, the Forest Hills Schools Board of Education voted to rescind its controversial "Culture of Kindness" resolution during a special Thursday morning meeting.
The resolution first passed by the board in June 2022 banned assignments in the district where students would have to consider their race, socioeconomic class, religion, gender identity, or sexuality.
Shortly after the board approved the resolution, a lawsuit was filed in federal court by a group of parents and students who claimed it violated their constitutional rights.
The two parties had settled in early December. In the settlement, Forest Hills agreed to rescind the resolution and issue a $100,000 check through its insurance carrier to the legal counsel representing the group of parents in exchange for a dismissal of the lawsuit.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Forest Hills School District said the settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing, and the board denies the resolution violated anyone's legal rights. The board claims it decided to resolve the matter to avoid the "unnecessary distraction" and cease the potential burden further ligation would have on taxpayers in the district.
The parents involved in the lawsuit consider the settlement to be a win.
"The board's action today reflects the strength and resolve of our community to stand up for what truly matters in our children's education," Forest Hills parent Antonio Ciolino said. "This is a win for every student who felt unheard and for every teacher who strives to create an open, respectful classroom environment."
Thursday's special meeting was the last school board meeting scheduled for 2023, and will likely be the last one held with Forest Hill's current board members. Jason Simmons and Wendy Strickler-Biderman, who both criticized the "Culture of Kindness" resolution, during their campaigns will join the board in 2024.
The resolution first passed by the board in June 2022 banned assignments in the district where students would have to consider their race, socioeconomic class, religion, gender identity, or sexuality.
Shortly after the board approved the resolution, a lawsuit was filed in federal court by a group of parents and students who claimed it violated their constitutional rights.
The two parties had settled in early December. In the settlement, Forest Hills agreed to rescind the resolution and issue a $100,000 check through its insurance carrier to the legal counsel representing the group of parents in exchange for a dismissal of the lawsuit.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Forest Hills School District said the settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing, and the board denies the resolution violated anyone's legal rights. The board claims it decided to resolve the matter to avoid the "unnecessary distraction" and cease the potential burden further ligation would have on taxpayers in the district.
The parents involved in the lawsuit consider the settlement to be a win.
"The board's action today reflects the strength and resolve of our community to stand up for what truly matters in our children's education," Forest Hills parent Antonio Ciolino said. "This is a win for every student who felt unheard and for every teacher who strives to create an open, respectful classroom environment."
Thursday's special meeting was the last school board meeting scheduled for 2023, and will likely be the last one held with Forest Hill's current board members. Jason Simmons and Wendy Strickler-Biderman, who both criticized the "Culture of Kindness" resolution, during their campaigns will join the board in 2024.
Forest Hills School Board rescinds 'Culture of Kindness' resolution following lawsuit
Posted from wvxu.org
Posted 4 mo ago
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SFC John D.
LTC Marc King - Marc. The resolution, "Culture of Kindness" was a resolution passed by the school board which prohibited the utilization of "Critical Race Theory, intersectionality, identity, or anti-racism curriculum, for student education or any staff training".
The lawsuit was brought by a group of far-left parents that objected to not being able to force students into participating in assignments or lectures that would "consider his or her race, socioeconomic class, religion, gender identify, sex, sexual preference, ethnicity, or culture as a deficiency" or would label the student with a stereotype, prejudice, or some other unsavory moral characteristic based on those identities.
Plainly put, you can't tell white students that they are oppressors because they are white. You can't tell minorities that they are victims just because they are a minority. You absolutely can talk about racism and the impact it had in this country, but you can't indoctrinate students with a progressive view that everything is racist.
The lawsuit was brought by a group of far-left parents that objected to not being able to force students into participating in assignments or lectures that would "consider his or her race, socioeconomic class, religion, gender identify, sex, sexual preference, ethnicity, or culture as a deficiency" or would label the student with a stereotype, prejudice, or some other unsavory moral characteristic based on those identities.
Plainly put, you can't tell white students that they are oppressors because they are white. You can't tell minorities that they are victims just because they are a minority. You absolutely can talk about racism and the impact it had in this country, but you can't indoctrinate students with a progressive view that everything is racist.
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LTC Marc King
SFC John D. Humble apologies I misread the piece. Disregard last transmission. Should have know you had not gone over to the dark side!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel Settling a lawsuit in my opinion is the same as admitting guilt. My opinion for what it's worth.
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Good afternoon PO1 William "Chip" Nagel. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this shipmate.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SGT Ruben Lozada Sad that Some believe being Kind to Others, Other Religions, Other Faiths, Other Cultures, Other Races, LGBT, Transgender violates their Constitutional Rights.
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