The School District of Baraboo passed a resolution in the wake of a controversial photo of some students appearing to give a Nazi salute.
The photo was shared on social media earlier this month and quickly went viral, gaining international attention. Many groups were outraged at what the photo seemed to depict. Some students and the photographer have told 27 News that was not the intent of the photo, but school officials have said either way, the picture was frightening and offensive to some.
Monday night, the school board approved a resolution called, “Baraboo United Against Hate.” Below is the entire resolution:
“Baraboo United Against Hate” November 26, 2018
School District of Baraboo Board of Education Proclamation
Whereas, the School District of Baraboo strives for excellence to ensure that every learner is successful in an evolving world; andWhereas, the School District of Baraboo believes every learner is entitled to an education that is responsive to one’s unique needs to reach their full potential; andWhereas, all individuals have the right to a safe physical, emotional, and social environment where responsibility and respect are demonstrated daily; andWhereas, the right of the student shall not be abridged or impaired because of a student’s sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability; andWhereas, the School District of Baraboo is committed to providing learning environments free of discrimination;BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the School District of Baraboo Board of Education encourages an atmosphere respectful of individual differences so that people can learn in a functional and non-threatening atmosphere;IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School District of Baraboo Board of Education rejects, discourages, and disapproves of any hate-based activity or conduct that harms a person or group based on individual differences;IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School District of Baraboo Board of Education proclaims the School District of Baraboo as “Baraboo United Against Hate”.NOW LET IT BE KNOWN AND PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Education of the School District of Baraboo announces today, Monday, November 26, 2018, to be a day where we stand proudly for and with all students and families that we serve; we commit again to our mission and values; and we say no to hate, and yes to a community of equal empowerment for all who come to us for educational services and support.
For more go to WKOW: https://wkow.com/news/top-stories/2018/11/28/baraboo-school-board-approves-anti-hate-resolution-after-viral-photo/