AUHSD Removes Zoom, Google Profile Pictures

Zoom and Google profile pictures were removed from all Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Zoom and Google accounts in April.

This was requested in response to several Bias Incident Report System (BIRT) reports which shared feeling uncomfortable and harassed because of inappropriate profile pictures.

“To help ensure that no student felt uneasy in their class meeting, we made a decision to remove the profile pictures for the remainder of the school year,” said Abhi Brar, AUHSD Tech Coordinator.

The decision was viewed favorably by most teachers and administrators.

“I think that it is best that everyone has the same profile picture. It shows universality among students. It is a pretty small change, and I don’t think that many people cared,” said sophomore Kian Kashayar who agreed with the decision.

“While students should be able to express their individuality it cannot cause harm to others. AUHSD administrators feel that there are several other opportunities for students to express themselves and their school Google/Zoom account does not need to be that space,” said Associate Vice Principal Laura Lee.

“We are planning on developing/updating our digital citizenship lessons for the next school year and hope to reactivate the profile pictures,” said Brar.