Discriminatory Expression and Hate Speech
The Snoqualmie School District is committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and bias-free space where every student feels a sense of belonging and is treated with dignity and respect. We strive to create a school community where every student feels safe, respected, and valued, regardless of race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
Our community includes individuals with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not tolerate hate speech, harassment, bullying, or discrimination in any form. A safe, inclusive environment is essential for student well-being and academic success.
To support these expectations, students receive age-appropriate instruction on respectful behavior, identity, and reporting processes.
Students are expected to:
Use respectful, inclusive language in person and online.
Treat others with dignity, even when differences exist.
Be mindful of the impact of their words and actions.
Take responsibility for their behavior.
Every member of the Snoqualmie Valley School District has a shared responsibility of maintaining a positive school environment. Students are expected to speak up and/or report behavior they witness in person or online that harms others or disrupts inclusion in one or more of the following ways:
Speaking up in a safe and appropriate way when witnessing harm if comfortable.
Telling a teacher, staff member, or trusted adult.
Submitting an anonymous report through the district’s tip line (include details such as names, time, and location).
Behavior Definitions and Responses to student offenses related to speech, actions or writing about race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
The district prioritizes:
Keeping students engaged in learning whenever possible
Partnering with families early
Using discipline to teach and restore rather than punish
Discipline will be:
Fair, age-appropriate, and non-discriminatory
Proportionate to the behavior
Follow Washington State laws and Snoqualmie Valley School District discipline policies and procedures
Unintentional harmful expression: indirect or subtle speech, actions or writing that negatively target a person or group based on race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
Targeted hate expression: direct, harmful, and/or threatening speech, actions or writing that express prejudice on the basis of race, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status.
First offense: Education, non-exclusion discipline & restorative actions (when appropriate)
Additional offenses: *Exclusion Discipline, further education, AND restorative actions (when appropriate)
First offense: *Exclusion discipline, further education, AND restorative actions (when appropriate)
Additional offenses: More significant *exclusion discipline, further education, AND restorative actions
Education may include:
Review of expectations
Targeted lessons on behavior and impact
Social-emotional learning
Understanding intent vs. impact
Appropriate language use in different settings
Non-Exclusion discipline may include:
Exclusion discipline may include:
In-school suspension
Out-of-school suspension
Expulsion
*Students receiving special education services may receive additional or differentiated supports and/or discipline depending on the behavior and a student’s disability.
Drug Free Schools
In the Snoqualmie Valley School District, we believe we have an important responsibility to our students to take necessary steps to prevent chemical use. Further, we believe that the use of chemical substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs interferes with the learning process of students. Because the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by children and adolescents is harmful and illegal, we will not condone their use. We support chemical abstinence for all children and adolescents so that they can reach their full intellectual, emotional, social, and physical potential. Additionally, we recognize that students suffering from untreated chemical abuse and dependency impair the educational environment by serving as a conduit of substances into the school population and by rationalizing substance consumption to other impressionable youth.
Possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is strictly prohibited on or about the school grounds and at all school-sponsored activities, whether at school or at some other location. A student who has been found in violation of these standards will be suspended, pending the completion of a drug/alcohol assessment. A list of District-approved Chemical Dependency Services will be provided for scheduling the follow-up drug and alcohol assessment. Compliance with these standards is mandatory.
Our District’s Chemical Dependency Counselor is available to provide intervention services to all students and their families. Please call the Counseling Center at 425-831-8150 for information and appointments.
Other Resources:
24-Hour Alcohol/Drug Help Line - 206-722-4222
Friends of Youth - 425-392-6367
Group Health—Eastside - 425-883-5151 Lakeside Milam - 425-392-8468
Raging River Recovery Center -425-831-5425
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District received a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the Snoqualmie Valley School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal (or appropriate school official,) clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the student of the records request.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Gender Inclusive Schools
Gender Inclusive Policy and Procedures
In compliance with RCW 28a.642.080 the SVSD is committed to fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. To that end, the district recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach toward transgender and gender-expansive students with regard to key terms, communication and the use of names and pronouns, student records, confidential health and education information, communication, restroom and locker room use and accessibility, sports and physical education, dress codes, and other school activities, in order to provide these students with an equal opportunity for learning and achievement.
This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers.
Policy (3211) procedure (3211P)
Gender-Inclusive Schools Compliance Coordinator
Ryan Vidos
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.
Board Policy 2161 - Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Student
Board Procedure 2161- Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students
Integrated Pest Management
To provide a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and those who use school properties, the District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to suppressing undesirable weeds and pests on school grounds. Where possible, alternative controls are implemented, before chemical controls are used, to keep vegetation and pests at acceptable levels with environmentally safe methods.
When school is in session and a chemical application is planned, parents and staff at that site will be notified in writing at least 72 hour prior. In the case of an emergency application (i.e. stinging insects), individuals will be notified as soon as possible after the application. Signage regarding any application will remain posted at the site for 24 hours after a treatment.
Parents who do not have email or internet access to receive their school’s E-News communication can write the IPM Coordinator, Maintenance and Operations Office, Snoqualmie Valley School District, PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065; or call 831-8031, to request a hard copy of notifications.
Land Acknowledgement
The Snoqualmie Valley School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe (sdukʷalbixʷ). We thank these caretakers of this land who have lived, and continue to live, here since time immemorial.
Language Hearing Assistance
To access language and hearing interpreters, please contact the Snoqualmie Valley School District office at 425-831-8000 by 4:30 pm, three days prior to any public meeting.
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that makes sure children and youth who do not have permanent housing can go to school and preschool. It gives children and youth rights to enroll in school, stay in school, get transportation to school, and gives these same children access to school lunch programs.
If you become aware of students who may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, or are in need of services for students in your family, please contact the principal of your school or Kim Mackey, Executive Director of Student Services.
Non-Discrimination Notice
Snoqualmie Valley School District complies with all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. This holds true for all district employment and student opportunities. The Snoqualmie Valley School District will also take steps to ensure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all educational programs, services and activities.
Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s compliance coordinators:
Salina Fassler
Associate Director of Student Supports
P.O. Box 400
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
ADA/Civil Rights/HIB/Title IX Coordinator:
Dr. Alessandra Schiavone
Associate Director of Health and Safety
P.O. Box 400
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Non-Discrimination Procedure
Notification of Threats
Students and school employees who are subjects of threats of violence or harm shall be notified of the threats in a timely manner. Parents shall be included in notifications to students who are subjects of those threats. Timing and details of the notice will be as extensive as permitted by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act other legal limitations, and circumstances of the situation. (Policy 4314)
Office of Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Office of Education Ombuds is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across WA by sharing information about the K-12 public school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about the school.
OEO listens, shares information and referrals, and works informally with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available.
OEO Information
Website: www.oeo.wa.gov/en
Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
Call: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available)
OEO has many publications available on the OEO webpage, including new flyers in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Dari, French, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Samoan, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
“Harassment, intimidation, and bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristic.
Acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying that cause physical harm to a person or damage to a person’s property, substantially interfere with a student’s education, is so severe or persistent that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational or work environment, or substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school or work place are not tolerated and will be dealt with as serious offenses.
Depending upon the frequency and severity of the conduct, intervention, counseling, correction, discipline (suspension, expulsion, etc.) and/or referral to law enforcement may be used to remediate the impact on the victim and the climate and change the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention, restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for anyone thought to have reported harassment, intimidation or bullying is prohibited and will be treated as a serious violation, subject to disciplinary actions. Policy 3207 is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community for all students and employees.
Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
Procedure 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
HIB Incident Reporting Form
RCW 28A.600.477 defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying as any intentionally written message or image—including those that are electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics when an act:
Physically harms a student or damages the student's property.
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education.
Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment.
Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Harassment and bullying behaviors can be viewed in two categories:
Harassment: Serious, unwanted conduct, such as threats or physical actions;
Bullying: Ongoing, unwanted behavior, a pattern of behavior rather than random incidents of meanness or hurtful behavior.
The core goal of harassment/bullying behavior is power over the victim which is satisfied based on how the victim reacts or responds.
To report an instance of harassment, intimidation, or bullying please contact your school administrator or fill out the incident reporting form.
HIB Incident Reporting Form
Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.
HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:
Physically harms another student or damages their property;
Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.
HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.
How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?
Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (Incident Reporting Form) but reports can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.
If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer Dr. Allie Schiavone who supports prevention and response to HIB.
What happens after I make a report about HIB?
If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.
Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.
What is the investigation process?
When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:
A summary of the results of the investigation
A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
Any corrective measures or remedies needed
Clear information about how you can appeal the decision
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.
For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.
For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.
Our School Stands Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.
What is discriminatory harassment?
Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.
To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.
Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.
Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.
To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P.
What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
Concerns about discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator: Ryan Vidos, Associate Director of Behavioral Health | PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | 425-831-3869
Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Allie Schiavone, Associate Director of Health and Safety | PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | 425-831-8407
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator: Salina Fassler, Associate Director of MTSS and Assessment | PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | 425-831-8312
Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Ryan Vidos, Associate Director of Behavioral Health | PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | 425-831-3869
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
A summary of the results of the investigation
A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
Any corrective measures or remedies needed
Notice about how you can appeal the decision
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to Dr. Allie Schiavone, the HIB Officer, and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).
I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.
Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
Our School is Gender-Inclusive
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:
Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
Keep health and education information confidential and private
Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity
To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:
Ryan Vidos, Associate Director of Behavioral Health | PO Box 400, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 | 425-831-3869
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives parents the right to:
Consent before students are required to take a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent
Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family
Sex behavior or attitudes
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships
Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, physicians, or ministers
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student's parents
Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program)
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:
Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding
Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law
Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others
