February 19th 2024.
During a recent school board meeting, parents of students enrolled in the Westport Public School System in Westport, Connecticut, spoke out against the deep-rooted racism their children have endured for years. These concerned parents, including Dr. Carole Felder and her husband Richard Anderson, directly addressed the district's board of education with their personal experiences. Dr. Felder bravely shared, "My seventh-grade daughter had a fake gun pointed at her head and was told, 'This is what happens to people of your color.'" The emotional pain and fear she must have felt is unimaginable.
Dr. Felder further expressed, "If you were to ask me today what the most difficult thing I've had to do is, it's raising Black children in Westport, Connecticut." Her husband, Mr. Anderson, also shared his family's distressing encounter with racism, in which their daughter was subjected to racial slurs and stereotypes in a text exchange with a former friend and her boyfriend. The situation has caused such distress that their children have had to seek therapy and struggle to attend school, fearing what may happen to them.
The issue of racism does not just stem from the school district, but it is a broader problem within the community. As Dr. Felder stated, "This is not just a Board of Education problem. It's a Westport problem." She also urged other parents to speak up and take action against racism.
The school district claims to have a zero-tolerance policy for racism, and the superintendent released a statement outlining their process for addressing such incidents. However, the parents have found this statement to be lacking, given their own experiences. At the meeting, one board member, Robert Harrington, publicly apologized for the incidents that the Anderson family had endured, acknowledging that they are not alone in their struggles. He stated, "We must and can do better. There will be uncomfortable conversations, but we need to address them."
During a break in the meeting, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice spoke with the concerned parents. After the meeting, he released a statement, stating, "Let me be clear: We do not tolerate racism and other forms of hate in our schools." He further added, "When we learn that a student has been targeted based on their identity, we take swift action to ensure their safety and support. We will not hesitate to hold those responsible accountable." Scarice also acknowledged the need for continuous learning and improvement, saying, "No student or person should ever face discrimination or harassment based on their race. We will listen, we will learn, and we will continue to fight against hate."
While the parents appreciate the gesture, they are calling for the district to implement an anti-bullying and harassment policy that actively discourages students from engaging in such behavior. They believe that more severe consequences, such as expulsion, should be considered instead of just in-school suspensions. Dr. Felder expressed her disappointment in the current policy, stating, "Your policy may look good on paper, but it does not work."
The school board has promised to make changes and address the parents' concerns. However, for the children who have already been affected by racism, these changes may come too late. The harm has already been done, and these students deserve better.
In a similar incident in New York City, students have filed a lawsuit against the school system, accusing it of racism. It is crucial for schools to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their race. We must continue to fight against racism in our education systems and ensure that our children are not subjected to such hate and discrimination.
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