Black history is American history. Black history is white history. Black history is HISTORY.

Black history belongs in every.single.school. Nobody wants to think that white-washing of American history can happen in Portland, but it can. We must proactively honor and teach and protect Black history, our BIPOC students and educators, and their right to exist in a safe environment. 

I have worked as a public defender for 0ver 20 years. I know that our Black and Brown students are targeted, suspended and expelled at a higher rate than their white peers. I know that the school to prison pipeline exists. I pledge to listen to the BIPOC community about *how* to make our schools good for your families, your community, your culture. To fight systemic and inherent racism every day. And to recognize and confront my own biases.

While the federal government wants to return things to 2 genders and just use LGB, I do not. I believe in more than just 2 gender identities, and I stand with the LGBTQIA+ community as an ally. I will use my privilege to support you and amplify your voices. And I promise to protect your right to BE YOU without fear.

I stand in solidarity with and support of trans athletes and trans students. Our schools and sports programs must always be safe places for all our athletes and students.

Despite a federal attack on DEI, I commit to supporting DEI within our schools. To support a curriculum that teaches about women in history, BIPIC history, Indigenous Peoples history, and LGBTQIA+ history. We have come a long way, but we have a lot more to do.