Los Angeles Unified Adopts Student Bill of Rights (06-23-20)

CONTACT:                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289                                  June 23, 2020

Los Angeles Unified Adopts Student Bill of Rights

Supporting Student Voice and Empowerment

LOS ANGELES – June 23, 2020 – The Board of Education voted unanimously today to adopt the Student Bill of Rights, a document written by students for students to help schools provide a welcoming and engaging environment that supports student success and propels achievement.

The resolution was authored by Student Board Member Frances Suavillo and the 37-member Superintendents’ Student Advisory Council. Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg and Board Members Mónica García, Scott M. Schmerelson, Nick Melvoin, and Kelly Gonez co-sponsored the resolution.

“There is nothing more powerful than student voice to make schools better, make your community better and change what’s happening in our country today,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. 

The desire for the commitment to racial and economic justice prompted the creating of the Student Bill of Rights. It includes the rights to respect and dignity, diversity and inclusivity and the right to a “quality, well-rounded, robust education that prepares them for life beyond high school.”

“I believe that a Student Bill of Rights is so important, especially during times like these.” Board Member Suavillo said. She is nearing the end of her one board member term and will attend Stanford University in the fall. “When students get back on campus, they need to know their rights. Students should know that just because they’re on campus, doesn’t mean that they lose their rights. They should also know when their rights are being violated. This document can aid them with that.”

The Student Bill of Rights will be posted at lausd.net, with drop-down menus that includes student responsibilities and examples of how students can exercise their right. It will also be included in student enrollment packets and displayed prominently at every school.

“Thank you Student Board Member Frances Suavillo for all your insights this school year,” Board Vice President Goldberg said. “It is important that all of Los Angeles Unified understands that there is a Student Bill of Rights in effect. I would like to further urge and encourage our social studies and history teachers to review this document with their students.”

“Thank you Board Member Suavillo for your leadership in sponsoring and passing this resolution,” Board Member García said. “The basic rights outlined in the Student Bill of Rights must be protected so that all children can learn to read, write, think, believe and be prepared for college and beyond.”

“As a career educator, I am convinced that adopting a Student Bill of Rights is an essential tool to inform student achievement and progress throughout their school career,” Board Member Schmerelson said. “In the difficult times in which we are living, we need to encourage all students to step up and shape the decisions and institutions that will affect their future. I applaud Student Board Member Suavillo and her colleagues for their commitment to inspiring leadership among all Los Angeles Unified students.”

“When a group of students initially approached me with the idea of drafting a Student Bill of Rights, I knew there was no one better for the job of leading this work than our own Student Board Member, Frances Suavillo,” Board Member Melvoin said. “I am proud to be a co-sponsor as this effort to protect and enshrine students’ rights comes to fruition.”

“The Student Bill of Rights reflects the extraordinary voices of our Los Angeles Unified young leaders,” Board Member Gonez said. “We are committed to not only listen to students, but to uplift their voices and provide them the opportunities to succeed now and after graduation. Thank you, Board Member Suavillo, for your leadership.”

"I am so proud of our Student Board Member, Frances Suavillo, for her leadership and initiative with this resolution,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “Our students are the voices of the present and the catalyst for change in the future. This preamble will be a representation of collaboration and leadership."

“Our vision as educators is to inspire our students to reach their full potential,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “I am proud of Board Member Suavillo and her peers for their leadership in developing the Student Bill of Rights. This document will not only be the legacy of her Board service but also stands as a testament to the power of student voices.”

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