Parents, Alums, Grandparents, Faculty, Staff, Supporters, Partnering Organizations, etc: If you would like to stand in solidarity with us, show your support by adding your name to this letter HERE.

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May 15, 2021

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To: Independent/Private School Heads of Schools, Independent/Private School Boards of Trustees

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As we approach and pass the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we want to honor him and all that ensued following that horrific 9 minutes and 29 seconds, particularly in our schools. On Tuesday, May 25, we invite you to silently hold space for those who have felt voiceless, disempowered, or harmed at any point – intentionally or unintentionally – because of race. If this letter reaches you after that date, we hope you will similarly pause for a moment of reflection.

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We also write today in response to concerned parents who do not understand the generational experiences of under-represented groups and the need to create safer, more equitable learning institutions for all students. We hope the testimonies of countless current and former students on social media will re-center the narrative and that, in time, ongoing education will break down polarizing perspectives and decades of fear and hate.

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In the interim, we applaud your resolve and ability to stay the course despite the many recent attempts to misrepresent intentions or distract from making progress. Many families continue to apply to and navigate our schools based on the promise of school missions and understand that all children will be valued, nurtured, safe, and respected. We stand in solidarity with you as you work towards delivering on that ideal and we affirm the need to press forward expeditiously and with confidence. Our children are depending on us.

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This first-of-its-kind reckoning in our schools will continue to be difficult at times – the struggle for racial equity and justice has never been without pain. However, the moral values of our respective institutions are made stronger because of the difficult layers involved in addressing systemic and institutionalized racism.

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Similarly, as you know more than anyone, a growing body of research proves that when you have racial diversity in a school community, it yields stronger academic outcomes for all students, not just students of color. Addressing issues of racial diversity is not just the morally right thing to do; it is beneficial for everyone and impacts a school’s ability to successfully deliver true academic excellence. 

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We sign below, in solidarity, to affirm the need to continue this important work now more than ever – some in our school communities may not understand it entirely, the summer break may slow our momentum, and who knows how COVID-19 will impact our individual and collective attention. Nevertheless, we cannot let anything stall reasonable progress and this next year and the years to come will require our steadfast devotion.

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Thank you for your leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for all.

Sincerely, 

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