Dear Staff,

 

I trust that you are safe and well. I am sure that you have been watching the protests that have been going on across the nation, in some of our major cities, and right here in New Haven. I am truly disgusted and saddened about man's inhumanity against man, the level of callousness, and pride displayed in the killing of this young black man, George Floyd,  in Minnesota.  Although this was the straw that breaks the camel's back, and resulted in this widespread protest that reminds me of the days of our civil rights leader--Martin Luther King, this type of hate and bigotry has been going on for years. We all have to rise up to work on dismantling racism in all it's forms through courageous conversation and teaching and learning.

 

This situation has added to the pain, fear, and suffering that the coronavirus unleashed on our black and brown communities at large. I know that New Haven Public Schools will continue to support our families and students, and will highlight the racial and economic inequalities that have become pervasive in our society.

 

New Haven Public Schools stand with the protesters and not with the violence. We ought to be upset and angry. We will continue to fight against racism and bigotry in all its forms.  Our community is hurting. Let us stand united.

 

Warm regards,