Dear Tzedek Team members,
Congregants with children in the Newton Public Schools forwarded this information about
responding to attacks on two NPS principals of color for their leadership in response to the Rittenhouse verdict. There is a demonstration in support of our principals Monday, December 13 at 7:40-8:00 am (details below). Even if you can’t attend the demonstration, the communications from Day and Bigelow parent groups show some other actions you can take. Thanks for your attention to this important matter and Shabbat Shalom!
From Bigelow parents: Our Black educational leaders are under attack in social media & the news. Please join Bigelow FORJ on Monday, December 13 at 7:40-8:00 am at Vernon/Park intersection crosswalk island to demonstrate support for the leadership of our NPS principals (particularly Bigelow Principal Coston and NNHS Principal Turner in light of recent events, pls refer to below statement), administrators, counselors and teachers who are pursuing educational agendas aligned with the district-wide values and commitment to equity.
Please spread the word, ask your children, families and neighbors to join us to demonstrate that the Bigelow community (whether as parents, students, teachers, administrators, counselors, staff or supporters) stands united in continuing to push for equity for all. Bring signs, posters, slogans (this would be a fantastic opportunity to include your children/students' creative ideas for designing rally materials) and most importantly, yourselves!
From Day parents:
Dear Middle School Families,
Newton Public Schools' (NPS)
Statement of Values upholds a culture of equity, which fights to dismantle racist structures and foster a genuine sense of belonging and connectedness. Our primary and secondary principals embody these values by educating our children about current events that touch upon racial injustices, inequities and marginalization. Principals share information about current events, create safe spaces for students to process real-life inequities, foster a culture that supports speaking up, and encourage students to engage in difficult conversations on race. It is important for principals to acknowledge the lived experiences of teachers and students of color by discussing racial inequities.
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, even though all NPS principals are doing this important work, two of our principals, who are people of color, are the ones who are targeted personally, in the news, and on social media. See below for links to the recent, negative articles about Principal Chassity Coston from Bigelow Middle School and Principal Henry Turner from Newton North High School (NNHS). The white principals doing the same work have not received the same pushback.
Superintendent Fleishman supported the work of both principals in letters to each school community. The Middle School FORJ chapters echo this support for Principal Coston, Principal Turner, and all the NPS principals in their thoughtful leadership. It is disheartening and unfair that our principals of color are especially targeted for their work and we hope you will join us in an out-pouring of our support. To condemn racist attacks on our school leaders and express support for their unwavering commitment to antiracism, social inclusion and cultural connectedness, please consider sending a quick note to your principal, Superintendent David Fleishman (
Fleishmand@newton.k12.ma.us ), Mayor Ruthanne Fuller (
rfuller@newtonma.gov ), or the Newton School Committee (
schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us )
As we continue to educate ourselves, learn from one another, and continue having these important conversations, here is a short list of antiracism resources to explore. The use of affinity groups was a focus of the negative media attention. Click on the FAQs about Affinity Group article to learn more about this valuable support for students (and adults!).
Thank you for reading, for sharing with other families, and for stepping up to support our leaders.
