Walking the tightrope

John
Feb 11, 2025
2 min read

Superintendent Rundle recently sent a letter to all parents in the district on Mercer Island. For many it may have been TLDR it was 2,533 words.

The message addresses confusion caused by Executive Orders from the Trump Administration.

One has to do with immigration and enforcement that the district will counter by upholding state laws protecting student rights.

The second targets equity policies which we are assured are in conflict with state and local laws.

We are told that the district will maintain its values, ensure student safety, and navigate any legal clashes while prioritizing education and dignity for all.

In a community already grappling with national divides this approach walks a tightrope between unity and conflict.

This could compromise funding to the detriment of all students.

I have often wondered if our local leaders tailor their approach to our community vs. towing the party line.

I agree with the commitment to core values-supporting the whole child, inclusivity, safety, and rigorous learning. If you are a student here this should be upheld for you. How many students are at risk on MI? Are their parents here? Other than being in the United States illegally, do their parents have criminal backgrounds? This is extremely nuanced, and I hope for the children's sake they get the best treatment possible.

Regarding equity policies I would like to know what this means? Does this mean that we allow men to play women's sports? Does it give our local leaders carte blanche to do anything in the name of equity or inclusion?

Majority Leader Jamie Pederson (D) recently stated:

"Kids over 13 have the complete right to make their own decisions about their mental health care. Parents don't have the right to have notice.....They don't have the right to have consent about that."

Wow - as we co-parent with Washington State and these leaders encourage officials to keep secrets from parents, I expect this debate to intensify.