How 4j's Superintendent Could Have Inspired, Not Divided

If I were interim superindeant, here's how I would addressed the election results with district staff.

Email Subject: Supporting Our Students with Resilience, Hope, and Respect

Dear 4J Staff,

Thank you for your commitment to our students and our shared community. As we step into our classrooms today following an election season that has stirred many emotions, we recognize that each of us—and our students—may be feeling something different. Some are elated and hopeful, others may feel concern or uncertainty, and all of these feelings are valid. Our role today is to provide a steady, supportive presence for every student, meeting them where they are.

In a world that often feels unpredictable, our schools can be a foundation of stability. Our students look to us not only for knowledge but for reassurance and guidance in navigating both change and continuity. Today, let’s help our students understand that diverse perspectives and emotions are natural and that they have the inner strength to move forward with resilience and respect.

Our Role as Educators: Teaching Strength, Perspective, and Adaptability

The foundation of education is built on more than just knowledge; it’s about preparing young people to face the world with confidence. Our role is to nurture a spirit of resilience and help students see moments of change, celebration, or challenge as part of life’s journey. If students come to us with feelings of worry or excitement, let’s use those moments to remind them of their strength, their ability to navigate life’s ups and downs, and the importance of respecting others’ viewpoints. The values of empathy, respect, and understanding are what will guide them—and us—through this time of change and beyond.

Supporting Students Who Are Thrilled

For students who feel excited and hopeful about the election results, it’s important to acknowledge that their happiness is valid, and it’s absolutely okay to feel joyful and proud. We want them to know that positive emotions are just as valid as any other feelings and that celebrating this moment can be a healthy, natural response. However, we can guide students to celebrate in a way that’s both respectful and considerate of others who may feel differently. This is an opportunity to teach “winning with grace,” showing that they can fully enjoy and express their excitement while also showing empathy toward those who may be disappointed. This thoughtful approach to celebrating can foster a stronger, more connected community within our school.

Supporting Students Who Are Grieved

For students who feel disappointed, worried, or even grieved by the election results, it’s essential to help them see this as an opportunity for resilience. Encourage them to understand that this moment is one part of a much larger journey and does not define their future. Remind them that they possess the strength to overcome challenges and that difficult times often bring out new strengths and understandings. By guiding them to view adversity as a chance for growth, we can help them build confidence in themselves and their ability to face any future setbacks.

Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces

Every student deserves to feel welcome and valued at school. By fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and identities are celebrated, we equip our students with the tools to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with others. Let’s continue to promote open, respectful conversations where all students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and experiences. Each student in our classrooms should know they are valued for who they are, and that their future holds promise regardless of any specific event or change.

Moving Forward Together

Our goal as a district is to cultivate a community where all students learn resilience, find hope in challenging times, and understand that every moment is an opportunity to grow. Today and every day, let’s continue to strengthen the foundation that our students rely on, showing them that life’s ups and downs are part of their path toward greater strength, empathy, and adaptability.

Actionable Steps for Supporting Our Students

Model Calm and Resilience: Show students that we can navigate change with composure and confidence. Encourage them to see challenges as opportunities for growth, reinforcing that setbacks are temporary and manageable.

Remaining Neutral and Supporting All Students

As school staff, it’s essential to remember that our role is not to share or promote our personal feelings or agendas, but to create a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels seen and supported. By maintaining a neutral stance, we can focus on guiding students through their individual experiences, helping them process their emotions and build resilience in a balanced, inclusive way. Our job is to provide stability and encouragement, meeting students where they are and supporting them as they learn to navigate complex feelings. In doing so, we build trust and create a school culture that empowers students to think for themselves, respect one another, and grow into confident, adaptable individuals.

Together, we are helping our students become adaptable, hopeful, and empowered.

With appreciation,

Colt Gill
(he, him)
Interim Superintendent
Eugene 4J School District

Instead, this is what the so-called leader of 4j said:

Hello Everyone -
Today, with little rest or time for reflection, we return to our schools, coworkers, and students after a divisive national election season.
With the re-election of President Trump, emotions will be at the surface across our community. The 2024 election has stirred strong feelings. As many in the country celebrate, so will many supporters here in Eugene. We also have many people in our schools and community who are feeling concern, trepidation, fear, and anger over the results. Please take time to breathe today. Care for yourselves, and strive to provide additional grace to one another.

Most of our students will return to school today. Even in divided times, maybe even more in divided times, our students rely on the routine of school, the steadfastness of the adults in our system, and the love we provide to them each and every day. It may be harder for some staff to be at work today, but this is a moment when some students will come to school with more uncertainty, more fear than yesterday - thank you for stepping forward for our students.

The tension and an anxiety many will carry today is not unfounded. The President-Elect has stated that we will deport legal and illegal immigrants. He has stated that he will eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. He has spoke out against, marginalized, belittled, and/or intimidated immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, people with LGBTQ2SIA+ identities, women, the media, Democratic Party members, people of Muslim faith, and others he disagrees with. When someone with such enormous power and responsibility willingly targets whole classes of people in this way; the weight, fright, and dread some will carry today and into the future is founded and requires no explanation.

As educators and caregivers, we carry the honor and heavy responsibility of creating safe, welcoming spaces where students learn from one another’s experiences. Even when lives and views differ, we encourage conversations grounded in empathy and respect. Our work may have become more difficult today and in future days, but our commitment to each other—and to each student—is to maintain classrooms that are welcoming, balanced, and supportive.

Our schools will be safe and inclusive places for all. Harassment, discrimination, and any behavior that targets others based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, or socioeconomic status are not acceptable in the Eugene 4J School District.

Our public schools are places of shared learning. For learning to be successful we must lean into the core values of safety, care, and inclusion. Students cannot learn if they, their families, or our staff feel unsafe. Our students are children, they need to know we care for them, and that we love them for exactly who they are. Our public schools are for everyone - full inclusion, full stop.
We must strive to overcome implicit bias in ourselves and the institutional racism and bias that is embedded in our system and structure to fully include each and every student.

We welcome every member of our community - every child, family member, and educator. We honor all backgrounds, all identities, and all stories. Our role is to provide an environment where every student can express themselves freely and respectfully. Together, let us continue building a district where students feel empowered, understood, resilient, and appreciated for who they are.

Thank you to each of you who make our district a caring and inclusive community. Let us move forward together, building a district that reflects the very best of our shared humanity. In doing so, we create a future where all our children can thrive. We are community and will be here for one another, today and every day.

Thank you,
Colt Gill
(he, him)
Interim Superintendent
Eugene 4J School District

Empowering Our Youth: A Wake-Up Call for Eugene Parents

Eugene Parents, Do Better

Recently, we’ve learned that many students at Churchill High School, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, are experiencing profound despair—even to the point of feeling hopeless—over the election of President Trump. This news isn’t just heartbreaking; it’s infuriating.

To the parents who have allowed this level of despair to take root in their children, this message is for you: How. Dare. You.

Our Role as Parents: Building Resilience, Not Fear

Parenting is one of life’s most serious responsibilities. At its core, being a parent means preparing your child for the real world—a world that is often harsh, unpredictable, and, yes, unfair. Our job as parents isn’t to wrap our children in a bubble that shelters them from every disappointment. It’s to build resilience in them, to help them face adversity with strength, hope, and an understanding of life’s complexities.

By failing to teach resilience, some parents are inadvertently harming their children. You may have poured so much fear and hatred into the image of a single politician that you’ve inadvertently deprived your child of the ability to see beyond one moment in time. If your child believes their entire future is threatened by the result of a single election, ask yourself how you contributed to this fear. This belief is not only distorted; it’s crippling. When children are led to feel hopeless over outcomes beyond their control, they lose a vital skill: the ability to adapt and find meaning in adversity.

The Harm of Neglecting What it Means to Be a Parent

Eugene parents

If you have told your children that Trump’s presidency means the end of democracy or the end of their personal safety, you’ve failed to provide a balanced view of reality. If your own hatred for a public figure has seeped into your child’s life to the extent that they are questioning their worth, shame on you. Children are perceptive. They absorb more than we realize, and if all they’ve heard are messages of despair and defeat, it’s no wonder they’re feeling trapped.

This isn’t to say that parents shouldn’t express their opinions or their own fears about politics. But there is a difference between educating children about the challenges of the world and instilling a sense of doom that robs them of hope. If you’ve only shown anger and panic without grounding your child in the stability of their own potential and the resilience of our system, you’ve left them adrift.

How You Can Do Better

Here’s what it means to be a parent: it means you’re the one responsible for nurturing a child’s inner strength. You’re their foundation. In a world that is often uncertain and unkind, your job is to give them the tools to face it anyway, to trust in their own value, and to see that setbacks—whether personal or political—are temporary.

When parents fail in this role, children are left feeling vulnerable, and they don’t have the experience to see a path forward. By allowing despair to overshadow hope, you’re robbing them of the most basic foundation of life: the belief that tomorrow can be better. In essence, you’re neglecting what it means to be a parent. Raising resilient, adaptable, and hopeful children is your highest duty, and without it, their lives are that much harder.

Here are some actionable steps for you:

A Final Call to Eugene Parents: Rise to the Challenge

It’s time to reconsider how we approach these conversations with our children. Instead of fueling fear and division, let’s teach them about resilience, hope, and the strength to adapt. Show them that their lives and potential are greater than any one election or leader.

Our children need us to model calm, to show that setbacks are temporary, and to remind them that they have the power to shape their own lives. Let’s commit to raising a generation that can handle adversity with courage, compassion, and open minds. They deserve to learn that they are capable, their voices matter, and their future is bright—no matter who’s in power.

As parents, we owe it to our children to help them navigate a complex world with resilience, grounded perspective, and hope. Let’s show them what it means to thrive, no matter what challenges may come. Let’s be the foundation they can rely on, a reminder that tomorrow holds promise, and that they are strong enough to face whatever comes next.

4J Superintendent’s Divisive & Hateful Post-Election Message

In his email to staff, Eugene School District 4J Interim Superintendent Colt Gill presents a deeply one-sided response to the 2024 election, framing the re-election of President Trump as a direct cause of fear, anger, and uncertainty for the district.

A Message That Divides Rather Than Unites

While he stresses the importance of inclusion and safety, his words reveal a sharp ideological bias that alienates the majority of students and families in Eugene who may have supported the re-elected president. By implying that fear and hostility are appropriate responses to this election outcome, Superintendent Gill’s message inadvertently labels many students and families as harmful or unsafe simply for their political views. Such a divisive stance undermines the trust and inclusiveness that public schools are supposed to foster.

Excluding Conservative Families in the Name of Inclusion

The message from Superintendent Gill also seems to disregard an important fact: with President Trump winning the popular vote and turning previously blue states red, Americans have spoken up for his leadership. Many of those Americans are right here in Eugene, with children in the 4J schools. The suggestion that these families and students should be viewed with trepidation or dismay is not only exclusionary; it fundamentally misses the message that American voters sent loud and clear. The district’s email fails to acknowledge this democratic decision, instead presenting it as a setback to be mourned rather than a result to be respected.

Does 4J Truly Embrace ‘Diversity’ for All?

As a parent who had children in the 4J school district and who also attended 4j in the 90s, I’ve experienced firsthand how this ideological divide impacts students daily. My children, who are Christian, have been targeted for their beliefs and values as I was and continue to be – values that are dismissed and, at times, openly criticized by peers and even educators within the district. The district’s claim of providing a “safe and inclusive” environment rings hollow when students who hold conservative or religious beliefs are treated with suspicion or hostility, creating a climate of fear and discomfort for any child who dares to think differently.

A School District’s Role: Education, Not Ideological Messaging

My children were sent to classrooms with BLM flags, Gay Pride Flags, and the like but if they just mentioned their faith or considered wearing Trump merch they called hateful. Why is it OK for conservative Americans to be targeted with hate in our public schools? Why does the LGBTQ community get to wave their flags but God forbid other families hold to traditional family values?

Where’s the Welcome for Students Celebrating the Election?

Where is the call to kindness for those who are CELEBRATING the election results? All his email did was further isolate a growing community within his schools- conservatives. And now, students who disagree with the election results have the so-called adults backing them as they spew more hate towards American conservatives.

4J’s Has Shifted From Education to Ideological Indoctrination

This is why so many families have fled 4j schools. This is why 4j has made national news for sexual fantasy essay assignments and pornographic book reading requirements- because all they care about is indoctrinating our children into their delusions. Trump-supporting families are right here in Eugene and go to your schools.

The Hidden Bias in 4J’s Messaging on ‘Inclusivity’

This message from the Superintendent perpetuates an environment where students and families feel the need to hide their views to avoid being singled out or shamed. It becomes clear that inclusivity, in the eyes of the district, extends only to those who align with specific ideologies. For students, this is particularly harmful. Children and teens learn best in environments that respect and encourage diverse perspectives – not in places that paint differing political opinions as threats.

Conservative Students Deserve a Safe and Respectful Environment Too

Superintendent Gill’s email also fails to recognize that a healthy democracy thrives on a diversity of views. Public schools have a responsibility to remain politically neutral, providing a balanced environment where every student, regardless of background or beliefs, can feel safe, respected, and valued. When a school district sends out a message that effectively shames students and families based on their voting choices, it erodes that fundamental responsibility, fostering division rather than unity.

Does 4J Really Care About Inclusion for All?

If Eugene School District 4J truly values inclusivity and respect, it should start by ensuring that every student, regardless of religion, political belief, or background, can feel that they belong. It’s crucial for the district to examine how implicit biases may be impacting its approach, to avoid sending messages that alienate a large portion of its community. True inclusivity means embracing all students and families – not just those who share a particular political or ideological viewpoint.

4j- We Have a Message For You

Whether you like it or not, MANY conservatives fill your halls. Many Christian students sit in your classrooms. And let me tell you- they are THRILLED with the election results- as is most of America. And now more than ever, they will not be silenced by your fear-mongering and absolute delusion. Focus on education- not indoctrination of your political garbage.

Here's a logical breakdown of the email to support our reaction:

1. Implying a One-Sided Emotional Response

"With the re-election of President Trump, emotions will be at the surface…"

While the message acknowledges celebrations, it overwhelmingly frames the community's response in terms of "concern, trepidation, fear, and anger." This implicitly suggests that celebrating Trump’s re-election is an outlier response, despite the election results. A more neutral statement might have mentioned that any presidential election brings diverse responses without implying fear should be the norm.

2. Painting the President as a Threat to Entire Communities

"The President-Elect has stated… deport… eliminate the Department of Education… spoke out against, marginalized…"
Listing such actions and stances without context can create a frightening image of Trump as a uniform threat to various groups. It assumes that any criticisms he has made toward individuals of these backgrounds automatically extends to everyone in those groups. While there are valid criticisms, stating them this way implies that supporting Trump is inherently threatening to certain students.

3. Incongruent Focus on Inclusivity

"Our schools will be safe and inclusive places for all."

While this statement is welcome, it conflicts with the prior negative characterization of Trump and implicitly, by association, those who support him. Stating that schools will include everyone and then presenting a long list of Trump’s alleged offenses against various groups implicitly communicates to staff that Trump’s supporters threaten inclusivity.

4. Subtle Messaging About Bias and Safety

"Students cannot learn if they, their families, or our staff feel unsafe."

This statement suggests that Trump’s re-election and his policies might create an unsafe environment for certain groups, indirectly tying political beliefs to physical or emotional safety issues. The link between conservative beliefs and safety concerns subtly implies that those holding these beliefs inherently compromise the well-being of others.

5. Selective Empathy and Encouragement of Emotional Responses

"Our work may have become more difficult today…"

The message encourages educators to acknowledge fear and tension, particularly in reaction to Trump’s re-election. However, it does not offer the same emotional space for students or staff who are supportive of Trump, inadvertently validating fear while minimizing celebration. This selective empathy could reinforce the idea that certain feelings (fear, anxiety) are more legitimate or valued than others (relief, happiness).

6. A Call to "Overcome Bias" that Overlooks Political Bias

"We must strive to overcome implicit bias… institutional racism and bias…"

While this line aims to promote equity, it avoids mentioning that political bias can also be a form of prejudice. Since the message itself leans heavily in one political direction, this omission suggests that political beliefs aligned with Trump’s are somehow exempt from the protection granted to other identities.

7. Inconsistent Encouragement for Free Expression

"We honor all backgrounds, all identities, and all stories."

While this sounds inclusive, the letter’s overall tone undermines this message. By portraying Trump’s re-election as something that incites "fear and dread," it implies that honoring conservative stories and identities might be inconsistent with the district’s values. It risks making students or staff who are conservative feel excluded.

Summary

Overall, the email appears well-intentioned in its aim to foster inclusivity and emotional support. However, through selective empathy, a focus on negative reactions to Trump’s re-election, and an exclusion of political beliefs as part of "diversity," the message may indirectly promote an environment that alienates conservative students and families. The communication could be more balanced by equally validating diverse political views as part of the district’s commitment to inclusivity and by acknowledging that fear-based responses aren’t the only valid or reasonable reactions to a political event. This approach would help in truly fostering a safe space for all.

The email sent out:

Hello Everyone -
Today, with little rest or time for reflection, we return to our schools, coworkers, and students after a divisive national election season.
With the re-election of President Trump, emotions will be at the surface across our community. The 2024 election has stirred strong feelings. As many in the country celebrate, so will many supporters here in Eugene. We also have many people in our schools and community who are feeling concern, trepidation, fear, and anger over the results. Please take time to breathe today. Care for yourselves, and strive to provide additional grace to one another.
Most of our students will return to school today. Even in divided times, maybe even more in divided times, our students rely on the routine of school, the steadfastness of the adults in our system, and the love we provide to them each and every day. It may be harder for some staff to be at work today, but this is a moment when some students will come to school with more uncertainty, more fear than yesterday - thank you for stepping forward for our students.
The tension and an anxiety many will carry today is not unfounded. The President-Elect has stated that we will deport legal and illegal immigrants. He has stated that he will eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. He has spoke out against, marginalized, belittled, and/or intimidated immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, people with LGBTQ2SIA+ identities, women, the media, Democratic Party members, people of Muslim faith, and others he disagrees with. When someone with such enormous power and responsibility willingly targets whole classes of people in this way; the weight, fright, and dread some will carry today and into the future is founded and requires no explanation.
As educators and caregivers, we carry the honor and heavy responsibility of creating safe, welcoming spaces where students learn from one another’s experiences. Even when lives and views differ, we encourage conversations grounded in empathy and respect. Our work may have become more difficult today and in future days, but our commitment to each other—and to each student—is to maintain classrooms that are welcoming, balanced, and supportive.
Our schools will be safe and inclusive places for all. Harassment, discrimination, and any behavior that targets others based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, or socioeconomic status are not acceptable in the Eugene 4J School District.
Our public schools are places of shared learning. For learning to be successful we must lean into the core values of safety, care, and inclusion. Students cannot learn if they, their families, or our staff feel unsafe. Our students are children, they need to know we care for them, and that we love them for exactly who they are. Our public schools are for everyone - full inclusion, full stop.
We must strive to overcome implicit bias in ourselves and the institutional racism and bias that is embedded in our system and structure to fully include each and every student.
We welcome every member of our community - every child, family member, and educator. We honor all backgrounds, all identities, and all stories. Our role is to provide an environment where every student can express themselves freely and respectfully. Together, let us continue building a district where students feel empowered, understood, resilient, and appreciated for who they are.
Thank you to each of you who make our district a caring and inclusive community. Let us move forward together, building a district that reflects the very best of our shared humanity. In doing so, we create a future where all our children can thrive. We are community and will be here for one another, today and every day.

Thank you,
Colt Gill
(he, him)
Interim Superintendent
Eugene 4J School District

4J Teacher's Palestinian Flag Stirs Discomfort in Jewish Students

In recent weeks, the controversy surrounding the display of a Palestinian flag in a Spencer Butte Middle School classroom has ignited passionate debates across our community. While we at Eugene Voices cherish free speech and the exchange of ideas, we also recognize the paramount importance of maintaining a safe and respectful educational environment for all students.

Calculated Controversy: Questioning the Intent Behind a Classroom Flag Display

On March 18, Jenoge Sora Khatter, a math teacher at Spencer Butte Middle School, decided to hang a scarf styled like the Palestinian flag in his classroom. While Khatter claims this gesture was intended to draw attention to global issues, it is difficult to accept this explanation at face value.

Given his educational background, including a doctorate in Education, it is unlikely that Khatter was unaware of the potential impact such a symbol could have, particularly on Jewish students. It appears that the real intent behind displaying the flag was precisely to provoke the discomfort it caused among these students.

While we find this to be grounds for immediate firing- for now we will focus on the greater issue. But, parents- know who is teaching and influencing your kids.

Let’s Revist What Happened Oct. 7th, 2023 in Isreal 

On October 7, 2023, a significant and tragic event occurred in Israel, marking one of the deadliest days in recent history for the region. Militants from Hamas launched a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, resulting in a severe escalation of violence. This attack led to numerous casualties and a state of high alert across Israel.

The Provocation of Symbols

The decision by Jenoge Sora Khatter to display a scarf styled as the Palestinian flag in a classroom context can be likened to other, universally recognized provocative actions—such as displaying a Nazi flag. 

Displaying a Nazi flag, universally condemned for its association with hatred and genocide, is an example that clearly illustrates the power of symbols and the strong reactions they can provoke. Hamas, while waving the Palestinian flag, aims for the complete genocide of the Jewish people just like the Nazis. 

You can understand why, for many Jewish students and their families, the Palestinian flag may evoke strong feelings due to the ongoing and violent conflict involving Israel and Palestinian territories.

Just as it would be considered inappropriate and offensive to display a Nazi flag in a classroom, so too can the display of other politically and emotionally charged symbols disrupt the educational atmosphere and create an environment where students feel unsafe or targeted.

The responsibility of educators is to create a neutral, supportive space where all students feel secure and valued. Introducing symbols that can be interpreted as taking sides in complex geopolitical conflicts, especially in settings with vulnerable young students, compromises this safe space. It is crucial for schools to carefully consider the broader implications of allowing the display of any political symbols within their halls and classrooms.

Advocating for Neutrality in Educational Spaces

In light of recent events at Spencer Butte Middle School, where the display of a politically charged symbol led to significant community upheaval, it is imperative to revisit the policies regarding the use of symbols within our educational institutions. 

Just the USA Flag, Please 

Flags in US schools

Eugene Voices calls for the adoption of a straightforward yet essential policy: the only flag that should be displayed in our public school classrooms is the flag of the United States of America.

The display of the American flag in classrooms promotes unity and reflects our collective identity as a nation. It serves as a symbol of our democratic principles and the shared values that underpin our society. Conversely, introducing other flags and symbols, such as the Black Lives Matter banners or Rainbow flags representing other people groups, nations, or political movements, can create divisions and distract from the educational mission of our schools.

While these symbols undoubtedly represent important causes and narratives, the classroom should not be a platform for promoting specific political ideologies or movements. 

The primary focus of our educational spaces should be on fostering a learning environment that is inclusive and conducive to the intellectual and emotional development of all students. Schools should be safe havens where students from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn and grow, free from the pressures of external societal conflicts.

The Importance of Focused Educational Goals

By limiting the display of flags within classrooms to the American flag, schools can emphasize their commitment to education over activism and ensure that no student feels alienated or targeted because of their personal or family background. This approach does not diminish the importance of teaching students about social issues, civil rights, or international conflicts; rather, it ensures that these topics are explored through balanced discussions and curriculum-driven activities that educate rather than alienate.

Commending 4J’s Response

While we at Eugene Voices often disagree with the decisions made by the 4J School District, we commend their swift action in addressing the display of the Palestinian flag in a classroom setting. Their directive to remove the flag was an appropriate and necessary response to ensure that all students feel safe and respected within their educational environment.

The discomfort expressed by Jewish students and their families was a significant concern that needed immediate attention. The district's decision reflects an understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in displaying political symbols in schools. By prioritizing students' well-being over political expression, the district upheld its responsibility to maintain an inclusive and non-partisan atmosphere conducive to learning for all students.

A Surprising Yet Welcome Decision

It is admittedly surprising to see the 4J School District align with a viewpoint that calls for caution in the expression of political beliefs within educational settings. Historically, the district has maintained a more permissive stance on such matters, often allowing a broader range of expressions that some might argue veer towards the political. This incident could mark a pivotal shift in the district's approach to managing sensitive issues, signaling a potential move towards policies that better balance free expression with the need to protect the educational environment from becoming overly politicized.

This decision not only addresses the immediate issue but also sets a precedent for how similar situations might be handled in the future. It opens the door for a more structured policy on political symbols in schools, one that could further define what is deemed appropriate and what crosses the line, ensuring that educational spaces remain focused on learning and development.

Problematic Push for Policy Change

In the wake of the controversy surrounding the display of a Palestinian flag in his classroom, Jenoge Sora Khatter has expressed a desire not merely to reinstate the flag but to change district policy to allow for the display of national and tribal symbols more broadly. While this may seem like a call for inclusivity and freedom of expression, such a policy change poses significant challenges and raises concerns about the true nature of educational environments.

The Risks of Politicizing Classrooms

Khatter’s push to alter school policy to permit various national and tribal flags within classrooms is problematic for several reasons. First and foremost, it risks further politicizing school environments, potentially turning them into arenas for political disputes rather than places of learning. Classrooms should be sanctuaries of education where students can engage with diverse ideas without the overt influence of current political tensions or conflicts.

Allowing a variety of political symbols in educational settings can create a divisive atmosphere, where symbols may be seen as endorsing specific political messages or ideologies. This can be particularly troubling in a school setting, where the presence of such symbols could alienate or offend students and staff who have opposing views or painful histories associated with these symbols.

Setting a Dangerous Precedent

If the district were to allow one politically charged symbol, it would set a precedent that might compel the inclusion of an unlimited range of symbols, each carrying its own set of political connotations and potential for controversy. This could lead to an escalation of tensions among students of different backgrounds and beliefs, undermining the educational mission of schools to foster a neutral and supportive learning environment.

Furthermore, focusing on such divisive issues detracts from the educational priorities that should be at the forefront of our schools’ agendas. It diverts attention and resources away from academic and personal development, which are the primary roles of educational institutions.

Conclusion: Upholding Educational Integrity

As we strive to create educational environments that uphold the principles of fairness and neutrality, it is crucial that school policies reflect a commitment to these ideals. By advocating for the exclusive display of the American flag, we are not suppressing dialogue or denying the significance of various social movements. Instead, we are reaffirming our dedication to maintaining schools as neutral territories where educational pursuits can thrive without the complications of political symbolism.

This policy would not only simplify the management of what is appropriate in educational settings but also reinforce the primary purpose of our schools—to educate, not to serve as battlegrounds for political ideologies.

 

And for what it's worth- Israel- we stand with you. FIRMLY. flags in schools

 

Why We Pulled Our Kids Out of 4j Schools

In today's educational landscape, parents face increasingly complex decisions when it comes to choosing the right school environment for their children. As former supporters of 4J schools, our decision to withdraw our kids was not made lightly. However, a series of concerning issues ultimately led us to seek alternatives.

Why We Pulled Our Kids Out of 4J Schools

Amidst the backdrop of our journey lies a pivotal decision that reshaped our family's educational landscape: the withdrawal of our children from 4J schools. This choice was not made lightly but was born out of a culmination of concerns and experiences that led us to reassess the educational environment in which our children were immersed. From ideological clashes within the school board to a lack of transparency regarding critical decisions impacting student safety, we found ourselves increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the 4J school system.

Oversexualized Curriculum

One of the primary reasons for our departure was the discovery of an oversexualized curriculum within 4J schools. We found that certain educational materials and classroom discussions were inappropriate for the age groups they targeted. Instead of fostering a healthy learning environment, these materials often crossed boundaries, leaving us deeply uncomfortable with the content being presented to our children.

I probably don’t need to remind you of the sexual fantasy essay that made national news- an assignment that asked children who, in their class, they would do certain sexual acts with and what their sexual fantasies were. And if the kids never thought of that and had no clue what to put- don’t worry! They had a spinning wheel of sexual acts to choose from.

In middle schools at 4j, the health curriculum teaches kids how to perform oral sex, among many other sexual acts. If you ask for the curriculum, the health teachers will send you to ODE’s guidelines. If you ask for the syllabus, you will be avoided like the plague- like I was.

Indoctrination to Gender Cults

Another troubling trend we observed was the subtle indoctrination of students into various gender cults. Rather than encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue, certain ideologies were being pushed onto impressionable minds without room for dissenting opinions or alternative perspectives. Add to that:

What 4j Schools won't talk about are the hard facts that true gender dysphoria presents as early as 4 or 5 and almost always in boys. Additionally, most grow out of it. So this influx of children self-diagnosing with gender dysphoria is social contagion- not reality. But dare you speak this truth, you are labeled with hate. If you ask the teachers to refer to the kids as their sex- they won't. 4j teachers and staff are forced to affirm the delusion these children have no matter the permanent damage it will do.

Vaping and Substance Abuse

Shockingly, reports of vaping and substance abuse within school premises became all too common. It was disheartening to learn that some students were engaging in these risky behaviors right under the noses of faculty members. Despite efforts to curb such activities, it was evident that more needed to be done to address the underlying issues contributing to this alarming trend.

My middle schooler told me how kids hide the vape in their hoody sleeve, vape, then blow the smoke down their other sleeve- and there’s no smell, so nobody is the wiser. I know there's always been smoking in the bathrooms- but this is another level of drug use, and the secrecy and ease of it is alarming.

Pornographic Literature

Perhaps most concerning of all was the discovery that pornographic books were being assigned as reading material. As parents, we promote literature that enriches our children's minds and encourages critical thinking, not material that demeans and degrades. The fact that such content was deemed appropriate for school-aged children raised serious questions about the values being promoted within the 4J school system.

The book our son brought to our attention that made him incredibly uncomfortable was Brighter Than the Sun. In the first five pages, you have a scene where a young man is being violently bullied, yet he finds it a turn-on and gets a boner. All this teaches our kids is that violence is sexy.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Abrupt Removal of School Resource Officers

One of the most glaring examples of the 4J school board's disregard for transparency and community input was the sudden decision to remove school resource officers (SROs) from schools without warning or opportunity for public discourse. This unilateral action, taken without meaningful consultation with parents, students, or law enforcement, epitomized the board's lack of accountability and responsiveness to the concerns of stakeholders.

The removal of SROs, ostensibly in response to nationwide calls for police reform, was executed without a thorough examination of the potential ramifications for school safety and student well-being. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and evidence-based decision-making, the board opted for a hasty, politically motivated move that left many in the community feeling blindsided and vulnerable.

For parents like us, the abrupt withdrawal of SROs raised serious questions about the board's commitment to ensuring a secure learning environment for our children. Without the presence of trained law enforcement professionals on campus, concerns about school safety and emergency response protocols became even more pronounced.

Moreover, the lack of transparency surrounding this decision only served to deepen our skepticism toward the board's leadership. By bypassing established channels for public input and accountability, the board effectively silenced dissenting voices and marginalized those who sought to raise legitimate concerns about the potential consequences of their actions.

The removal of SROs epitomized the board's tendency to prioritize virtue signaling over practical considerations and community engagement. Rather than fostering a climate of trust and collaboration, the board's actions only served to exacerbate divisions and erode confidence in its ability to make sound, responsible decisions on behalf of students and families.

For us, this episode served as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the governance structure of the 4J school system. Without meaningful dialogue and genuine collaboration between all stakeholders, the board risks further alienating the very community it is meant to serve, ultimately undermining its credibility and effectiveness in fulfilling its core mission of advancing public education.

Back To Our Roots- Homeschool

Why We Pulled Our Kids Out of 4j Schools (1)

Transitioning to homeschooling was a seamless process for us, having already been deeply involved in our children's education during their elementary years. Our 17-year-old successfully completed high school a year ahead of schedule, a testament to the effectiveness of homeschooling in fostering academic excellence and self-directed learning. Meanwhile, our middle schooler thrives in a classical education homeschool co-op, where critical thinking, science, cartography, Latin, math, and, of course, fun, are central to the curriculum.

Our eldest has discovered a passion for music, dedicating countless hours to mastering the piano and guitar. With plans to attend Lane Community College's music program through the Oregon Promise grant, he is poised for success and fulfillment in his chosen field. Equally important, he possesses a strong sense of identity and purpose, unburdened by the uncertainties that often plague teenagers navigating their formative years.

Similarly, our middle schooler is flourishing academically and intellectually, participating in a young American leadership homeschool co-op and excelling in his classical education studies. With aspirations of becoming a lawyer, he demonstrates a remarkable aptitude for logical reasoning and critical analysis, traits that will serve him well in his future endeavors.

Despite the initial apprehension and uncertainties that accompanied our decision to homeschool, we have found that our family has grown closer and more connected than ever before. Our boys, once confined to the traditional school schedule and routine, now have the freedom to explore their interests and passions fully. And while they may have left behind the familiarity of public school and school friends, they have gained a newfound sense of confidence, independence, and fulfillment.

To parents grappling with similar concerns about the state of public education, we offer our heartfelt encouragement and support. While the decision to homeschool or explore alternative educational options may seem daunting, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Whether it be homeschooling, private school, or participation in homeschool co-ops, there are countless avenues available to provide your children with the enriching, nurturing educational experience they deserve.

Remove Your Kids From 4j Schools, Now

We echo the sentiment shared earlier: Pull your kids out of 4J school—you won't regret it. Embrace the journey of homeschooling or seek out alternative educational opportunities that align with your family's values and aspirations. Your children's future is too important to leave to chance, and with dedication and determination, you can provide them with the best possible education in a safe and supportive environment.