Racial & Educational Justice

Northshore is committed to creating a safe, caring, and inclusive environment within our school district community so that all students, families and staff feel welcomed, valued and supported. We recognize and advocate for the racial, ethnic, cultural, disability/ability, gender, sexual orientation, economic and religious diversity in our district.

 

What is racial and educational justice?

Land and Peoples Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the Northshore School District functions on Coast Salish lands in the areas that have been colonized, occupied, and renamed to Bothell, Kenmore, Redmond, and Woodinville. We acknowledge the experiences of genocide, forced relocation, ethnic cleansing, and land theft of Indigenous peoples and sacred lands so we can build our awareness of how settler colonization still exists today. We honor the ways of knowing and ways of being of Indigenous peoples and tribal nations, who are still here and thriving, in our district-community. We resolve to learn from these realities and partner with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders to work toward a justice-driven educational experience for each student, family, community member, and educator in Northshore. We also acknowledge that this is a working land acknowledgement that will continue to evolve as our partnership with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders expands. 

Elementary Adapted Land and Peoples Acknowledgement

My classroom and my school are in the Northshore School District, which is on Coast Salish lands. Indigenous peoples and their lands have gone through hurtful things in the past and some of those things still go on today. We respect Indigenous peoples and tribal nations, who are still here and living in our community. We will work with local Indigenous peoples and tribal leaders to keep learning how to make a difference in our community and in our school. 

Our Mission and Work

Teacher reading a book about skin color to a group of students

We are dedicated to moving toward the positive culture outcomes students deserve. We work to develop a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all students, parents and staff. 

Learn About Our Mission

The Racial and Educational Justice Department

Picture of the Northshore School District Logo

 

Learn about who is in the department.

Cultural Recognitions

Native American dancers dancing and leading a group

Find out more about the monthly observances and celebrations that Northshore School District celebrates throughout the school year. 

Learn More about these days and months  

Resources for Students, Staff, Families, and Community Members

Equity staff providing a training for district staff

To support our district-community in ongoing learning, strategies, and tools, we continuously update our resource lists. We continue to collaborate with our shareholders to maintain our resource list. 

Continue Learning

Racial and Educational Justice Committee

Northshore Racial and Educational Justice leaders presenting and leading a large group of teachers in a training

Our committee, comprised of staff, students and community members, provides guidance to District leadership on issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Get Involved

Religious and Cultural Observances Calendar

Our calendar aims to expand the awareness about the multiple forms of diversity among our students and families, the days that students may not be at school due to religious observances, and the days that students may be fasting.

Check out our calendar 

 

Student Collaboration Projects

2025 Student Justice Conference

Picture of Dr. Chris Emdin in a hat and pink suit jacket giving a presentation

The Racial and Educational Justice Department will offer its second annual Student Justice Conference on Friday, March 28, 2025, and the event will be open to high school students in Northshore. This year’s theme is  “Unapologetically Dreaming, Designing & Doing for Justice.”

Learn More about the Student Justice Conference 

Student Justice Collective

High school students working on MacBooks in the classroom

The Student Justice Collective is comprised of high school students to expand opportunities for youth leadership, help students come together across schools, and co-construct a space in which students can learn with and from one another.

LEARN More aBOUt the student justice collective

Racial and Educational Justice News and Upcoming Events

Leaders from North Creek's Black Student Union posing for a picture

We love to highlight the equity-driven initiatives, events, and activities from across the District.

See What's Happening