At last night's regular board meeting, the board of directors proclaimed April1-30 Arab American Heritage Month, stating:
THIS RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, OREGON, RECOGNIZES APRIL 1ST TO APRIL 30TH 2026 AS “ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” HONORING ARAB AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE PAST AND PRESENT, IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS A TIME TO CHALLENGE ANTI-ARAB STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICES.
WHEREAS, Arab Americans are people who live in the United States and are of Arab descent; “Arab” is a cultural and linguistic term and includes people of many faiths, races and ethnicities whose ancestry is rooted in any of the 22 Arab countries that span North Africa to Western Asia; and
WHEREAS, Arab Americans number nearly four million in the United States, with morethan 30,000 living in Oregon and roughly 10,000 in our service area, contributing to the social, cultural, academic, civic and economic life of our communities; and
WHEREAS, Arab American communities reflect rich linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, including people of many faiths such as Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Jews, and a wide range of Arabic dialects and cultural traditions, which strengthen the social and civic fabric of our schools and communities; and
WHEREAS, Arab American students, families, and staff too often experience discrimination, xenophobia, and stereotyping, and the recognition of Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity for NWRESD to reaffirm its commitment to reject prejudice, protect civil rights, and cultivate welcoming, safe, and affirming learning environments for all; and
WHEREAS, integrating Arab American histories, literature, languages, and perspectives into classroom instruction and school activities supports culturally sustaining pedagogy, deepens students’ historical and civic understanding, and prepares learners to participate respectfully and effectively in a diverse democracy; and
WHEREAS, Arab American Heritage Month, celebrated in April, recognizes the long and continuing contributions of Arab Americans to the arts, sciences, business, education, civic life and public service and promotes increased understanding of Arab cultures and histories;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT NWRESD:
1. Recognizes April as Arab American Heritage Month and honors the many contributions Arab Americans have made and continue to make to our schools, communities and nation.
2. Encourages all schools, programs and staff to observe Arab American Heritage Month by promoting inclusive learning opportunities that intentionally reflect Arab American histories, cultures and contributions, and by integrating culturally responsive materials into classroom instruction and school activities.
3. Directs the Superintendent, or designee, to share this resolution with NWRESD staff, component districts, families and community partners and to provide guidance and resources to support curriculum, classroom activities and community events honoring Arab American Heritage Month.
4. Encourages NWRESD and component districts to partner with Arab American community organizations and cultural institutions to ensure authentic community voices and perspectives are centered in educational activities and celebrations.
5. Affirms NWRESD's ongoing commitment to equity, understanding and belonging for students, staff and families of Arab descent and to the development of learning environments that value diverse identities and experiences.
This Resolution is effective immediately upon adoption this 11th day of March, 2026.
Resources for Continued Learning and Advocacy
This Arab American Heritage Month, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Arab Americans. We invite you to expand your knowledge and awareness of the experiences and histories of Arab Americans. From lesson plans to movie recommendations, our resource list can help get you started.
Lesson Plans:
Webinars & Videos:
Books:
Articles:
