LOS ANGELES (November 10, 2026) — Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously approved Board Member Karla Griego resolution, Strengthening Districtwide Policies and School-Based Strategies to Address Incidents of Hate Speech and Harassment, cosponsored by Board Members Sherlett Hendy Newbill, Rocio Rivas, Scott Schmerelson, Nick Melvoin, Tanya Ortiz Franklin and student Board Member Lesly Avila.
This resolution focuses on providing schools with the resources and professional development to ensure everyone is equipped to play a part in contributing to a positive school environment by addressing, rejecting and preventing hate speech, while also strengthening District protocols and updating reference guides to ensure consistent reporting practices and accountability measures.
“I bring this resolution forward as our most vulnerable communities, such as immigrant, Black, and LGBTQ+ individuals, face targeted and hostile socio-political rhetoric that fuels hate incidents and compromises the safety of our students, families and staff. Given the surge in hate crimes across our neighborhoods, it is our duty to reinforce our schools as secure sanctuaries and protective havens for all. Intimidation, harassment, and bullying fueled by hate speech and racial slurs will not be tolerated within our public schools.”
“Hate speech, harassment, and discrimination have no place in our schools,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “Fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging is not only a personal priority, but a reflection of the values at the very heart of Los Angeles Unified.”
“Hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination have no place in our schools. Our schools should be safe, inclusive environments. While policies and resolutions are important, real change requires intentional action, consistent equitable implementation, and accountability at every level of our District. We must ensure our school leaders are equipped to respond, our policies are followed, and those impacted are protected. Our success cannot be measured simply by the passage of this resolution, but by what happens afterward. We have a responsibility to protect every person in the District,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“I’ve heard loud and clear from my Board District 6 community about the need for further action to ensure that we are combatting anti-Black hate. I appreciate the Black educators in my Board District 6 who have been working in partnership for many months, so we could bring this resolution. I am committed to providing a safe school environment for our Black students, families, and educators, and our entire school community,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
"Addressing hate requires both accountability and opportunities for growth," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "We must equip our schools to respond to hate crimes through education, restorative practices, and meaningful support for impacted students."
“As board members, we understand that more has to be done to root out the causes of hate and hate speech and protect our students from these incidents,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Through a complete review process of District policy, it should be easier for our students, teachers, and staff to be more aware of these issues in their environment and empower them to speak out. Nobody should have to live through a harmful environment, especially at their school. Students can only learn when they feel safe and welcome.”
“Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome at school, and there is no place for hate of any kind on our campuses. I appreciate the District’s ongoing work to foster inclusive school communities, and hope that this resolution strengthens our efforts to both prevent and respond to incidents of hate. We must ensure our schools have the tools and clear guidance to address these incidents swiftly and consistently, while helping students learn, grow, and treat others with dignity and respect,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
"All of our students and staff deserve to be on campuses that are welcoming environments where their humanity is respected. While I am saddened and frustrated that hate speech, particularly anti-Black hate speech, impacts so many in our school community, I am proud to support a resolution that offers education, training, reporting and accountability to ensure that all students and families are emotionally safe in LAUSD," said Board Member Ortiz Franklin.
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