Project Dignity and Belonging (PD&B) is a partnership between HDESD and Equity Institute, with support and collaboration from Better Together Central Oregon’s Latinx Success Initiative and other community partners. PD&B aims to assess current needs, improve training and referral systems, and foster a culture of care and belonging in schools and organizations.
Our Equity Work
Foundational documents that guide our HDESD commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Equity Statement (English)
- Equity Statement (Spanish)
- Board Resolution
Key Resources for School Staff
Quick-references for responding to student and family needs during immigration-related stress or emergencies.
Supporting Families in Times of Immigration Enforcement:
A guide for care providers
A facilitation guide for those providing care and support to families experiencing distress due to increased immigration enforcement.
The collection of resources below is designed for educators, schools, and district leaders in Central Oregon.
Safe and Inclusive Environments
Links to best practices from ODE, COSA, and Oregon districts.
- Every Student Belongs (ODE)
- Creating Safe, Inclusive, & Welcoming Learning Spaces (COSA)
- Bias Incident Response Checklist (Eugene 4J)
- Communicating about Racial Equity in a Charged Environment (COSA ODE Toolkit)
- Protecting all students from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in Oregon Public Schools
Legal Guidelines
Resources that include Oregon law (ORS 659.850) and its application in schools.
- Oregon is a Sanctuary State (Department of Justice)
- Oregon Department of Justice: Resources Website
- ACLU Oregon: Know Your Rights – Immigrant Rights
- Know Your Rights Cards (English)
- Know Your Rights Cards (Spanish)
Protocols for Schools
Links to protocols for handling immigration-related concerns in schools.
- Help for Immigrant Families: Guidance for Schools (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)
- Step by Step Preparedness Plan (English)
- Step by Step Preparedness Plan (Spanish)
- Stranded Student Protocol
Mitigating Social and Emotional Stress
Strategies for mitigating social and emotional stress among students.
- Helping Students In Troubling Times (American School Counselor Association)
- Supportive School Systems for Newcomer Immigrant Youth with Trauma Exposure (EdNW)
- From Disclosure to Response
- Talking Points for Conversations with Families in Distress or Fear of Ice
Training Materials
Training materials and support for staff and educators.
- Immigration/ICE Protocol for School Front Desk Staff – 2025
- Recommitting Ourselves to the Promise of Public Education (Oregon Department of Education)
- How to Support Immigrant Students and Families (Colorín Colorado)
- Taking the Heat out of Politically Charged Discussions (Edutopia)
- Teaching Resources for US Elections (Facing History)
- Defensa del Barrio Training: Inclusive Migrant Network (VIVA)
- Employer Guide-NELP-NILC
Weekly Staff Listening Circle
Information about listening circle opportunities.