ABRSD is committed to maintaining a school environment that values civil discourse and diversity and in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate harassment of staff or students based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are also protected from discrimination in various opportunities available through the District.
Any individual who wishes to file a complaint alleging harassment may inform any trusted staff member or a supervisor. Refer to our Discrimination and Harassment Prevention webpage or our Protocols for Responsing to Hate and Bias:
ABRSD Protocols for Responding to Hate and Bias
Protocolos Para Responder a Incidentes Que Involucren Odio o Prejuicio
Protocolos Para Responder ao Ódio e Preconceito
应对仇恨和偏见的协议
If an employee does not wish to discuss the issue with a staff member or supervisor, or who feels that the problem was not addressed in an effective manner, the employee should contact:
Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
15 Charter Road, Acton, MA 01720
978-264-4700 x11210
Talking with children about difficult topics. like bias, race, and hate can be challenging. We are sharing a few supports for families and staff to engage in this dialogue below. Glenn Singleton refers to four agreements of courageous conversations, which are briefly outlined below.
The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations
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Stay engaged: Staying engaged means “remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally involved in the dialogue” (p. 71).
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Speak your truth: This means being open about thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear.
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Experience discomfort: This norm acknowledges that discomfort is inevitable, especially, in dialogue about race, and that participants make a commitment to bring issues into the open. It is not talking about these issues that create divisiveness. The divisiveness already exists in society and in our schools. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, the healing and change begin.
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Expect and accept nonclosure: This agreement asks participants to “hang out in uncertainty” and not rush to quick solutions, especially in relation to racial understanding, which requires ongoing dialogue.
Adapted from: Singleton, G.E. (2015). Courageous Conversations about Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Family Resources:
Race and Racism
Bias
Hate
Anti-Semitism
Anti-Asian Sentiment
Bystander/Upstander Resources
Staff Resources