Dear Oyster River Families,

Last spring, ORCSD joined a coalition of school districts and education organizations in a federal lawsuit, NEA v. ED, challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s 2025 “Dear Colleague Letter”. This action was rooted in our mission and values, and necessity. To ensure that our schools remain places where students and educators can engage in a diverse exchange of ideas and a broad, comprehensive education, and to fulfill our responsibility to protect student services and programs, including IDEA Special Education funding and funding for the Free and Reduced Lunch program.

We learned today that the U.S. government has withdrawn its appeal, finalizing the earlier federal ruling that vacated the Dear Colleague Letter, the associated certification requirement, and all related enforcement mechanisms. As represented by the government in court, these directives are no longer in effect and cannot be used or reinstated in any form.

This conclusion reinforces what we affirmed when joining the lawsuit: public schools play an essential role in sustaining democracy. Students must be encouraged to think critically, encounter different perspectives, and build the skills necessary for meaningful participation in civic life. Attempts to restrict what students may learn about history, sociology, or the lived experiences of others run counter to these responsibilities and undermine the foundations of informed citizenship.

We are grateful for the Oyster River community’s support and to our partners in this effort, including the ACLU-NH, and the many students, educators, and districts across the country who advocated for an inclusive, accurate, and student‑centered public education system.

Respectfully,

Dr. Robert Shaps
Superintendent of Schools