Oregon House and Senate Democrats Condemn Newberg School Staff Member's Racist Conduct and Use of Blackface

Salem, Ore. - Today members of the Oregon Democratic Caucus make the following statement in response to reports of a staff member at Mabel Rush Elementary School in the Newberg School District attending work on Friday in blackface: 

“Blackface is not about putting on a costume, it is racist, anti-Black

"And evokes a deeply racist and painful history of othering and denigrating Black communities. This harmful and irresponsible behavior has no place in Newberg or anywhere. Newberg’s BIPOC students, staff, and families deserve better than this.  

"This deeply traumatizing incident and the “slave trade” Snapchat group that Newberg High School students participated in are further examples of the pervasive racism and discrimination in the Newberg community and the state of Oregon as a whole. At a time like this, leaders from all corners of the community and state must come together to condemn this behavior and prioritize student safety and wellbeing. We hold the students, families, and staff of the Newberg School District in our hearts today.  

"Once again, we call on the Newberg School Board to change course. We urge the School Board majority to rescind the ban on Black Lives Matter signs and Pride flags and back down from repealing the Every Student Belongs Act.

"Anti-racist and equity practices should start from the top.

"The Newberg School Board must prioritize creating a safe, affirming learning environment for all students and employees.” 

Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner
Sen. Lew Frederick
Sen. Kate Lieber
Sen. Kayse Jama
Sen. James Manning Jr. 
Sen. Deb Patterson
Sen. Sara Gelser

House Majority Leader Barbara Smith Warner 
Rep. Andrea Valderrama 
Rep. Tawna Sanchez
Rep. Teresa Alonso León 
Rep. Khanh Pham 
Rep. Ricki Ruiz
Rep. Janelle Bynum
Rep. Andrea Salinas
Rep. Mark Meek 
Rep. Wlnsvey Campos
Rep. Lisa Reynolds
Rep. John Lively
Rep. Anna Williams
Rep. Zach Hudson
Rep. David Gomberg
Rep. Marty Wilde
Rep. Jason Kropf 
Rep. Julie Fahey
Rep. Karin Power 
Rep. Courtney Neron
Rep. Rachel Prusak 
Rep. Maxine Dexter