The superintendent of our school district sent a letter out to parents after the Chauvin verdict. I'm not sure what to think about it. My initial reaction wasn't positive, but on the other hand, a lot of other parents in my district seem to think it was a good statement.
Thoughts? (Letter in blue below)
Every day in Austin ISD schools, we teach our kids that our founding documents hold their equality under the law as a self-evident truth and that every last one of them has unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our job as educators is to prepare every student, every day with what they need to thrive in a world that too often falls short of the founders’ promise. Yesterday, our students saw that promise kept with a measure of justice in an often unjust world. It is my hope that every student takes that as proof of how they can make our world a more just, more equitable, and more peaceful place.
In every tragedy there are heroes, and in George Floyd’s murder there was one whose name I want every Austin ISD student to learn by heart. Her name is Darnella Frazier. On the day of George Floyd’s murder, she was walking her cousin to a convenience store when she saw the four officers arresting Mr. Floyd. She made sure her cousin was safe inside the store before going out and filming Mr. Floyd’s murder. If she had not uploaded that video to Facebook, we would never have known George Floyd’s name, and his family might never have received justice. When Darnella Frazier filmed that murder, she was a 17-year-old Black girl in America, and she took what power was available to her, and because of her steady hand, quick thinking, courage and compassion, the actions of one girl no different than any Austin ISD student led to justice. Darnella Frazier is a hero that every Austin ISD student can look up to.
Today, Austin ISD public schools recommit to ensuring that equity and racial justice serve as our North Star, and I vow to do my part. We take solace in the measure of justice served yesterday and recognize that tomorrow we still have work to do to ensure that our students enter a society that values every one of them and a world where there is equal protection under the law not just on days like yesterday, but every day.
It seems OK as far as these sort of statements go but I'd like to see other's thoughts.
It hit on the unique aspects of the trial and how impactful it was, the essential role Darnella played in accountability and how she is likely close in age to some of the students. It avoid some of the missteps that others have made. The opening is a bit off to me though I can't explain why.
Post by seeyalater52 on Apr 22, 2021 9:17:41 GMT -5
For students of color it seems pretty off to describe this as a measure of justice. I mean it is, but what is the takeaway really? That if they’re unjustly murdered by police the officer who murdered them MAY be held accountable by the criminal system? (As long as there is actual video footage of the murder.... and even then, that is far from a guarantee.)
Highlighting the young woman who filmed the murder and emphasizing the value of bystanders taking action is fine, but the sentiment overall feels a little hollow. Why not acknowledge that students may still justifiably be afraid? As far as these statements go it’s not horrible but I feel like we can do better.
It seems OK as far as these sort of statements go but I'd like to see other's thoughts.
It hit on the unique aspects of the trial and how impactful it was, the essential role Darnella played in accountability and how she is likely close in age to some of the students. It avoid some of the missteps that others have made. The opening is a bit off to me though I can't explain why.
it's probably because the founders absolutely would not have intended George Floyd or Darnella Frazier to have those same inalienable rights...
I like the tack they took, but that opening is pretty classic american public school revisionist history. America was founded on wonderful principals and they just had some little oopsies along the way on that whole slavery, women's rights, type stuff!
Is sending out a statement on this sort of thing common for schools? I've been wondering that. our superintendent sends out statements pretty frequently related to major news items - often focused on kids mental/emotional wellbeing and making sure parents know that there are resources available through the school if they need them.
The statement on the Chauvin verdict was less about that. I feel like this one was aiming for bland enough not to step in it, but still saying *something*. the showing love bit made me roll my eyes, but that's because I'm a terrible person maybe? I dunno.
This afternoon, the verdict was announced in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. It is my hope that this long-awaited decision brings solace to the family of Mr. Floyd and provides a pathway forward to everyone in our nation who has been deeply concerned about the rights and respect due to all in our communities and who has been fighting for justice. As educators, this is yet another reminder of the urgency of our work with diversity, equity and inclusion, and to ensure that all students feel safe, respected and included in the school community. Please remember that showing love for each other is the most powerful way we can effect change, and will prevail through our efforts to build a just and inclusive community and country.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Apr 22, 2021 9:42:59 GMT -5
I have no issues with it. It's better than the one our superintendent sent out, and we're local (and TBF, the letter she sent out last year when he was murdered was fabulous).
Our school district does not typically send statements out on political events. I think I agree with that stance especially since our district is K-8. Maybe a statement like the one above would be better for our high school system. Not saying 6-8th graders can't do much, but just generally speaking.
I don't hate the statement above. It is inspirational, but I also agree the first paragraph is revisionist/ aspirational rather than reality. Maybe I am feeling down because other black children have been murdered since then. When will it stop?
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
Our school district does not typically send statements out on political events. I think I agree with that stance especially since our district is K-8. Maybe a statement like the one above would be better for our high school system. Not saying 6-8th graders can't do much, but just generally speaking.
Was this a political event? This is a recent important historical event but it wasn't political though it was often viewed through a political filter. Police and courts are nonpartisan. The cases was criminal and not relate to law or policy so I feel this is very different than say releasing a statement about a political event and even then major political events like elections, supreme court decisions or Jan 6th are discussed in middle school and in the higher grades of elementary.
hocus2, You can say it was a historical event. My point was our school district does not typically release statements about any event. I think they might have released something about Jan 6th maybe. But that is the only statement I remember in the last 4 years. There was a statement on school shootings but related to security measures they have taken.
They might also not release at the superintendent level, but if it is applicable to middle school or upper elementary release that via the principal rather than school district wide. We have K-2 school, 3-5 and 6-8.
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
You summed up my thoughts. It is awful that Darnella Frazier had to do what she did. She witnessed a murder. While what she did was brave, she never should have had to do it and she will likely be traumatized for life because of it. For a school to send out that email in some ways encouraging other students to do the same is really tone deaf.
My daughter started K this year and I subscribed to our district news page. Our superintendent sent out a letter that was well done in my opinion and specifically noted that the conviction doesn't make up for George Floyd's death or the suffering of his family. I've been pleasantly surprised by these messages as I had no idea this was a thing. They've sent out several in the last year taking a stand against racism in all forms. It is a nice contrast to the town FB page that is full of conservatives and blue lives matter people.
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
While my reaction was not negative in terms of highlighting how Ms. Frazier was able to take what power she had to do something effective - I can definitely see your point here. I think bringing up the injustice of her needing to be the one to step up would have helped?
I do think it's a natural fit for a school system to highlight the actions of a school aged kid (which is what I meant by liking the tack they took) but it's a shame they started it off so badly off the mark with the founders nonsense and also made the picture of her actions overly rosey.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Apr 22, 2021 10:11:36 GMT -5
This was the first line of ours: "Today’s verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial will likely raise emotions in all of us, and not everyone will react the same way."
Blah blah counselors available blah blah blah we will to have our normal school days.
It got better after that talking about how much work there is to do and how we can't think we're good with this one verdict but overall I was expecting better from her.
I'm not comfortable with the white-washing of the founding documents in the beginning - I teach (taught today!) that the Founding Fathers did not, in fact, hold "equality under the law" for everyone and we studied the 3/5 Compromise as proof. But I digress...
I think for a school district in Texas, that's a pretty solid letter. It would not go far enough here, but that's the population of my school. It's far better than the letter the head of my high school sent to alumni, which got an earful response email from me...I'd like to have seen a little more about accountability vs justice and some concrete steps of work to be done.
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Our district didn't send a parent communication, but staff got one with links to websites to support the conversations if we want to have them in our classrooms. Pretty standard for this district - one in which we have very very few educators of color.
I am torn. I'm glad districts are sending the communication, but I wish they would find people (probably there are many in their own buildings) who can help craft these statements. I think for the most part, we are in early days of knowing how to effectively create that communication, so it's going to be...lacking in a lot of ways, especially for us here. We are probably more tuned in that the general population about the nuances and language.
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
I agree with your first paragraph. My reading of the bit about Darnella Frazier was a bit different. Yes, she was a child, but this is a school district. So holding her up an inspirational young person is a way of saying, you too have power. You’re too are not too young to confront injustice. (I do recognize that the primary audience is parents, but parents may be reading this as they think about how to talk to their own children.)
There’s a LOT of work to do. This is still an outlier case in many ways. White America can’t expect Black children to fight against injustice on their own. But I think taking a moment to have hope and to recognize the inspirational people who made this possible — I don’t know if that’s such a bad thing. (Certainly not a Pelosi-level gaffe, IMO.)
I'm fascinated that school districts comment on these things. I've never gotten any such communication from our district.
A district local to me (but not my district) recently issued this gross apology statement to the police department over having read Something Happened in our Town to the students:
We support and respect the brave police officers that protect our community. In no way does this book represent our thinking or beliefs about our police. It is unfortunate when any profession is portrayed negatively. We apologize for the negative light this has shined on their profession and commitment to our safety. The Binghamton City School District has embraced School Resource Officers, each whom have served as outstanding role models for our students. We are proud of the relationships they and other officers have developed with our students and the school community.
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
I agree with your first paragraph. My reading of the bit about Darnella Frazier was a bit different. Yes, she was a child, but this is a school district. So holding her up an inspirational young person is a way of saying, you too have power. You’re too are not too young to confront injustice. (I do recognize that the primary audience is parents, but parents may be reading this as they think about how to talk to their own children.)
There’s a LOT of work to do. This is still an outlier case in many ways. White America can’t expect Black children to fight against injustice on their own. But I think taking a moment to have hope and to recognize the inspirational people who made this possible — I don’t know if that’s such a bad thing. (Certainly not a Pelosi-level gaffe, IMO.)
I’m looking at it through the lens of someone whose district is engaging heavily in a bystander/upstander curriculum as well. Darnella is such a perfect example of an upstander and I imagine many who are engaging in that work will use her for years to come as an example in their lessons. Maybe this district is doing that as well.
I'm fascinated that school districts comment on these things. I've never gotten any such communication from our district.
A district local to me (but not my district) recently issued this gross apology statement to the police department over having read Something Happened in our Town to the students:
We support and respect the brave police officers that protect our community. In no way does this book represent our thinking or beliefs about our police. It is unfortunate when any profession is portrayed negatively. We apologize for the negative light this has shined on their profession and commitment to our safety. The Binghamton City School District has embraced School Resource Officers, each whom have served as outstanding role models for our students. We are proud of the relationships they and other officers have developed with our students and the school community.
This is weird. I have read that book with many children, although I don’t currently work in a public school setting. It’s a very necessary book I think.
I'm fascinated that school districts comment on these things. I've never gotten any such communication from our district.
Our district sent letters. Around here is an expectation that important historical events are discussed by leadership and in classrooms in an age appropriate way. Of course some parents object when letters go out (or went they don't) but I am not certain you can solve that given how large the school system is. While the city as a whole is very left leaning there is a wide spectrum of views across the school system. Letters sometimes miss the mark but generally I think acknowledging major historical events and their impact is correct.
I agree with your first paragraph. My reading of the bit about Darnella Frazier was a bit different. Yes, she was a child, but this is a school district. So holding her up an inspirational young person is a way of saying, you too have power. You’re too are not too young to confront injustice. (I do recognize that the primary audience is parents, but parents may be reading this as they think about how to talk to their own children.)
There’s a LOT of work to do. This is still an outlier case in many ways. White America can’t expect Black children to fight against injustice on their own. But I think taking a moment to have hope and to recognize the inspirational people who made this possible — I don’t know if that’s such a bad thing. (Certainly not a Pelosi-level gaffe, IMO.)
I don't know how the OP's school district did it, or if it includes high school, but the statement that went out from our super did include distribution to the high school kids (my older son got it in his school email). So perhaps the older kids did that the statement separately from their parents, telling them they have power as you suggest.
Post by outnumbered on Apr 22, 2021 12:11:13 GMT -5
Our superintendent sends out a letter to parents. He also send resources to building principals for teachers to use as discussion points with children and families. I think that admins are not always equipped to handle the correct message around these things. Our town has added a position called Director of Equity and Social Justice (must be approved by town meeting). I hope having a person with experience on board will help our district with these events.
I'm in the Twin Cities and we've gotten two messages from our Superintendent in the last week. The first was when curfews were starting to be enforced following the Daunte Wright shooting and the other was just prior to the verdict coming in. The first said something very similar to "As one of the most diverse school districts in all of MN (67% students of color), we must continue to stand with our community to interrupt systemic inequalities in our society." And continued on to include several links to resources for supporting your children at home and facilitating conversations. I was really happy with the communication overall.
To my knowledge we don't have a district position specifically dedicated to equity like someone mentioned above, but I feel lucky that the staff and leadership in our district seems to be rather diverse and reflective of the student body (in my limited elementary school experience so far), so that we're not just getting one narrow (white) point of view when these awful events happen and need to be commented on.
I'm in the Twin Cities and we've gotten two messages from our Superintendent in the last week. The first was when curfews were starting to be enforced following the Daunte Wright shooting and the other was just prior to the verdict coming in. The first said something very similar to "As one of the most diverse school districts in all of MN (67% students of color), we must continue to stand with our community to interrupt systemic inequalities in our society." And continued on to include several links to resources for supporting your children at home and facilitating conversations. I was really happy with the communication overall.
To my knowledge we don't have a district position specifically dedicated to equity like someone mentioned above, but I feel lucky that the staff and leadership in our district seems to be rather diverse and reflective of the student body (in my limited elementary school experience so far), so that we're not just getting one narrow (white) point of view when these awful events happen and need to be commented on.
Your last paragraph hits on what I mentioned. We definitely need the position. I live 15 miles north of Boston and our town is not that diverse. Our super is a white man and the one taking over for him is a white man. While they are well meaning they need somebody with better ideas. I am on town meeting and will vote to approve this position, but I am very afraid it will not pass.
outnumbered I can 100% see how many schools would benefit from a position like the one you described.
While I also only have real visibility to my son's elementary school so far, what I see is that our Superintendent is a WOC, our principal is a POC, and two of the three teachers that my son has had have been WOC. Surely there are a whole bunch of white teachers and staff as well, but when I go into the school for events it doesn't feel like there is any lack of differing backgrounds and experiences present. Of course I have no clue how those viewpoints are valued and executed on committees or in leadership, but my perception is that they are valued and I hope that it is true!
Here's my take on it. "Liberty for all" is a Hollywood fantasy. The framers did not intend literally liberty for all. Black, brown, indigenous, poor, disabled, mentally ill, women— they were not included in "all." We have countless laws on the books that can attest to this and it wasn't until those laws are challenged in court that we get anywhere close to "liberty for all." If liberty for all were true, George Floyd, Philando Castille, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and so many other Black men, women, and children would not be dead at the hands of police officers.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
Many of these murders are recorded and yet so few actually result in arrests, trials, and convictions.
This statement just really missed the mark for me. And I'm really not surprised that it got a positive reaction from white people (both on my social media and here.)
I know that so many black activists also hold Darnella up as a hero and ShaunKing asked people to go follow her on IG and twitter. I won't say that black activists on social media are the only ones who have a voice, but I do think that many school districts are not only teaching reading/writing/arithmetic, but strive to undo the "color-blind" agenda of the 80's/90's and try to embrace that kids are empowered near-adults that do amazing things in the world even before being adults. So I guess I could see a superintendent focusing on that part of the story - where a student, just like theirs, has already made a difference in her community and the world.
None of this means that I feel like the statement should be touted as something. But the more people in power in our education system who speak up about the inequalities that affect kids today and the current events relating to our country's racism, the more normalized it may become to notice the racism. I guess I don't hate the statement or who it came from since that is the educator with a voice and power in that district.
I don't like a non-Black public school superintendent holding up what Darnella Frazier did as something to emulate. Holding Darnella up as a hero means that white adults don't have to do anything to fix the system that puts her and other Black Americans in this position in the first place. I think Darnella was incredibly brave but she is a child and our society failed her by putting her in that position to begin with.
Children, particularly children of color should never have to risk their lives like this when we know that risk is far larger than the tiny bit of hope it might lead to justice.
This was my gut takeaway. So Black and brown kids have to put themselves at risk in order for there to be "justice" in this country? The fuck?
The vibe this letter gives off is that we can all make a difference in our world, especially young kids like Darnella. That's the opposite message I want kids to hear as it relates to Floyd's murder and Chauvin's conviction. Darnella should not have been forced to step up and film a man being murdered. The fact that she had to do that only highlights how fucked up our system is.