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Meeting Date:
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8/22/2024 - 6:00 PM
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Category:
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Board Resolutions
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Type:
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Action
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Subject:
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9.1 Resolution of the Newark Board of Education Proclaiming September 15 - October 15, 2024 Latina/o/x Heritage Month in Newark Public Schools
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Strategic Plans:
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Enclosure
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File Attachment:
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Summary:
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To recognize Latina/o/x Heritage Month by honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, Spain, Brazil, and Mestizo and Indigenous groups
WHEREAS National Hispanic Heritage Month, also known in more inclusive terms as Latina/o/x Heritage Month, was first observed in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month by President Ronald Reagan and enacted into law as an annual proclamation in 1988 to a month long period, starting September 15th;
WHEREAS this law celebrated Hispanic and Latina/o/x Americans, the anniversaries of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; while Mexico and Chile celebrate September 16th and 18th, respectively; and Indigenous Peoples Day or Día de la Raza is October 12;
WHEREAS National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th and ends on October 15th. At the time of the proclamation designation the term “Hispanic” was the term used by the U.S. Census to describe people of Spanish-speaking origin and ancestry. To be more inclusive of multiple identities, Indigenous, Brazilian and others, the Newark Board of Education has titled this celebratory month Latina/o/x Heritage Month;
WHEREAS, no matter the term one chooses to use, whether it be Latina, Latino, Latinx or Boricua, or Hispanic we refer to people whose history is rich with those who positively influence and enrich our nation, our society, our community, our state, and our schools through their work, commitment to our community, deep value of culture, social justice and liberty;
WHEREAS, throughout history and into current day, Latina/o/x people have made significant contributions in fields such as education, government, science, law, medicine, entertainment, literature, sports, military, thereby enhancing and shaping the vibrancy of the United States with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their communities; and including notables such as US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Civil Rights leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa first Latina NASA astronaut, Dr. Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of Education, Xavier Becerra US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Salomé Ureña, Educator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Artist;
WHEREAS Latina/o/x students represent approximately 55 percent of Newark Board of Education’s 2023-2024 population, enriching the educational experience of all students and staff; and
WHEREAS approximately 24 percent of all Newark Board of Education staff are Latina/o/x employees who contribute daily to the accomplishments and education of our youth, and the Board celebrates and builds upon the strengths and knowledge that Latina/o/x students and staff bring with them to school, including cultural perspectives, lived experiences, practices, and languages;
WHEREAS understanding Hispanic/Latino history is an important part of celebrating Latina/o/x Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS recognition of Latina/o/x Heritage Month is consistent with the recommendation in the Newark Board of Education’s strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020-30, to make the issue of equity a top priority, closing opportunity gaps for all students is a priority for our School Board, the Superintendent and all district staff;
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Funding :
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Recommendation to the Board:
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Newark Board of Education believes each and every student is to be celebrated and appreciated for the distinct and vibrant contributions made by sharing cultures, language, ideas, beliefs and values within a school community;
2. The Newark Board of Education hereby proclaims September 15th through October 15th as Latina/o/x Heritage Month and encourages staff, students, and community to observe, recognize, and celebrate the culture, heritage, and economic contributions of Latinas/os/x and Hispanics to New Jersey and the United States through culturally relevant activities, and to learn from the past and understand the experiences that have shaped the United States; and
3. The Superintendent or his designee shall work with all schools in the district to recognize Latina/o/x Heritage Month through culturally relevant lessons and activities in our classrooms, programs, and events.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Brenda Liss - General Counsel
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Signed By:
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Roger León - Superintendent
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Vote Results:
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| Original Motion | Member Daniel Gonzalez Moved, Member Josephine Garcia seconded to approve the Original motion 'NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Newark Board of Education believes each and every student is to be celebrated and appreciated for the distinct and vibrant contributions made by sharing cultures, language, ideas, beliefs and values within a school community;
2. The Newark Board of Education hereby proclaims September 15th through October 15th as Latina/o/x Heritage Month and encourages staff, students, and community to observe, recognize, and celebrate the culture, heritage, and economic contributions of Latinas/os/x and Hispanics to New Jersey and the United States through culturally relevant activities, and to learn from the past and understand the experiences that have shaped the United States; and
3. The Superintendent or his designee shall work with all schools in the district to recognize Latina/o/x Heritage Month through culturally relevant lessons and activities in our classrooms, programs, and events.'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. | | The motion Carried 7 - 0 | | | | | Josephine Garcia | Yes | | Hasani Council | Yes | | Daniel Gonzalez | Yes | | Crystal Williams | Yes | | Allison K. James-Frison | Yes | | Kanileah Anderson | Yes | | Helena Vinhas | Yes | |
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