a statement from BWF 

Better Way Forward is resolute in its intolerance for hate speech* in any of its forms including, but not limited to words, gestures, and symbols of discrimination and harassment towards anyone, from anyone, (which includes any person(s) while attending, visiting, or representing  BWF within the CCASD). We affirm and uphold the First Amendment right of free speech, yet affirm and applaud the fact that our federal courts have placed limits on speech to guarantee and protect all people from discrimination and harassment.  We recognize a difference between hate speech and freedom of speech where the discourse of dialogue and ideas area accepted and encouraged even if disagreeable.

 

We believe that putting others down, or allowing it to happen, does not build anyone up, but it brings us all down. As a organization, we say, “No” to hate! Therefore it is against our policy for any student, teacher, staff, or visitor to harass or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. Furthermore, it is against our policy for any teacher, staff, or administrator to tolerate or ignore such harassment or discrimination.

 

To support our adherence to this policy, and to promote listening to all who have been harassed or discriminated against, we developed and promote a variety of ways to submit incidents, and for all incidents to be heard, and responded to in a way that promotes healing, safety, and tolerance. As a guiding principle, our North Star is not to discipline and reprimand but educate, teach, and grow. This policy will be reviewed regularly, at least annually, to ensure that BWF promotes the values of accessibility, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion becomes and remains a place of acceptance, understanding, and academic engagement.

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To review the CCA District's Statement CLICK HERE.

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*Hate speech is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as "public speech that expresses hate or encourages violence towards a person or group based on something such as race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation". - Citation