Student-authored inclusion pledge and kindness resolution approved by Redondo Beach Unified board

Student leaders briefed the Redondo Beach Unified School District board on a student-authored inclusion pledge and a companion kindness and inclusion resolution, and trustees voted unanimously to adopt both measures.

The student advisory council, formed in March 2023, presented the one-page “stand up” pledge and a separate resolution that secondary students helped draft. “This was created by students,” Superintendent Nicole Wesley said, recommending the board approve the pledge and resolution on the students’ behalf.

In her presentation, sixth-grader Ava Stone said the secondary group used a multi-step process — reviewing a Manhattan Beach sample, surveying students and holding a gallery walk to select action statements — and then collectively revised the final language with superintendent input. Eighth-grader Nolan Gautam said the student authorship makes the pledge more “authentic” and likely to resonate with peers.

Board members praised the students’ work. A trustee called the pledge “concise” and said it resonated after being read aloud; another noted the board would monitor and refine implementation over time. Dr. Wesley said staff plan a fall rollout so schools can display the pledge and invite students to sign it.

The board adopted the stand up commitment and then approved resolution R23-24:28, a new annual resolution the student advisory council will revisit each year. Trustees noted the pledge’s one-page format and said copies will be shared with district staff, after-school providers and families.

Next steps outlined by staff include distributing the pledge at school sites, encouraging signature events early in the school year and integrating related activities such as inclusion day and social-emotional supports. The board’s vote was recorded as unanimous for both items.