On October 9, Casey Jackson, the superintendent and principal of Siletz Valley School in Oregon, was dismissed from her role due to her management of the Indigenous Peoples Day protest that transpired on that day. Jackson’s termination from the University of Wisconsin was unanimously decided upon by the Board of Regents, which cited the significant harm inflicted by her on the institution’s standing.
A demonstration followed at Siletz Valley School, which is located in close proximity to the Siletz Indian Reservation and is primarily attended by Indigenous students, as a result of a school policy that required students to be present on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A percentage surpassing 25% of the student population participated in the strike.
The day after the demonstration, Jackson allegedly issued a verbal reprimand to the students before convening them for a meeting where the exchange was documented. On December 14, during a meeting of the school board, her formal dismissal was announced in response to seven formal complaints that had been filed against her.
In an email, Board Chair Willie Worman stated, “After several challenging discussions, the board has decided to terminate Mrs. Jackson’s employment with the Siletz Valley Schools.” He asserted that the decision was difficult but crucial for the protection of the institution, faculty, community, and the best interests of the students.
Zoey Howard, 16, a participant in the demonstration, proclaimed that Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of trauma in remembrance of the tribulations Indigenous people have endured. The concerns of the students were addressed at a meeting of the school board on October 24, during which officials decided to observe Indigenous Peoples Day and Orange Shirt Day. Jackson was granted paid administrative absence during the course of the investigation.
Jackson might initiate legal proceedings against the board on the grounds of purported discrimination. Worman confirmed that the dismissal of Jackson was based on the assessment that the organization was unable to make significant advancements throughout her tenure.
The revocation of Casey Jackson’s employment provides a pertinent example of the complex dynamics that dictate administrative responses to student activism in higher education institutions. The current situation at Siletz Valley School serves as a symbol of broader discussions surrounding the recognition and appreciation of the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples in academic settings.