A Message from Superintendent Greg Baker

Dear students, staff, families and community,

We continue to receive questions from our community about communications from the federal government related to PreK-12 public education, including a recent letter from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).

We want to provide some clarity about what this means for Bellingham Public Schools.

The DOE’s letter claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are discriminatory and illegal.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal released a video and statement today, and he confirms that “Dear Colleague Letters” do not hold the power of the law and the recent guidance from DOE does not bind the public or create new legal standards.  I encourage you to watch his video.

The state superintendent’s message reinforces our approach to equity, diversity and inclusion, and underscores what we shared in a message Feb. 7.

We will continue to follow applicable state and federal laws and guidance of our state’s superintendent of public instruction, and we will continue to monitor the actions by the federal government.

We will also continue to look to The Bellingham Promise, stand firm in our mission and beliefs, and work together on behalf of our children.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Greg Baker

Reply to: greg.baker@bellinghamschools.org