Resolution to Fight Racism

OUR RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN AND FIGHT RACISM

March 18, 2021 | The Lorain City Schools Board of Education is doubling down on its work to condemn racism through a board resolution affirming the district’s commitment to an inclusive school environment for all students. The school district is also increasing its advocacy efforts in response to the recent fatal shootings of eight people in Georgia — six who were Asian women.

Passage of the board resolution is the latest action the School Board has taken to raise awareness of social injustices, and to lead the community's fight against racism and hate. School Board members have been active in the community joining in peaceful protests, contributing to community conversations about racism, and supporting the districts's strategic plan which prioritizes Equity in Lorain City Schools.

“It is not enough to merely say that we are against hate,” said Board President Mark Ballard, “The troubling and increasing acts of violence and racism we have seen in our nation requires action. Our district is committed to proactively supporting an environment in which all member of the Lorain Schools family are included, supported, and free from the insidious acts of racism that permeate some parts of society. We must do better.”

In support of the board's resolution, the district is launching an online campaign to broadcast the district's efforts to continue taking steps to foster an inclusive educational environment where every student, teacher, support professional, parent, and community member is treated with dignity and respect and to continue fighting for racial justice and human and civil rights for all.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Attachment: Resolution# 21-C-54

Resolution #21-C-54

WHEREAS, members of the Lorain Board of Education and the district’s staff are saddened and outraged by recent events that demonstrate the prejudice and injustice that persists in our country; and

WHEREAS, racism and hate have no place in our schools or society, and we must protect the constitutional rights of every person who lives, works and learns in our community; and

WHEREAS, we cannot be silent. We urgently must act to stop the racial injustice that harms and anguishes people of color, who are our family, friends, neighbors, students, staff members and fellow Americans; and

WHEREAS, we must listen. Those who have endured discrimination and intolerance deserve to be heard as the share the stories and truth about their experiences and feelings, and we must seek with great empathy to understand there challenges and their pain; and

WHEREAS, we must learn. It is time to engage our community in meaningful and honest conversation about racial inequality, to build alliances with those committed to justice for all to work together to support our shared conviction that racism must end; and

WHEREAS, we must lead. Each of us, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing an antiracist learning environment where every child is respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their skin color. We must actively acknowledge, address and prevent racial bias that occurs as a result of district policies, practices and actions; and

WHEREAS, we must do better. Our district can and will be a sanctuary of safety in our community and a beacon of light for the world as we build and strengthen trust with those we serve and model the acceptance of all people; therefore, be it

RESOLVED that we, the members of the Lorain Board of Education, stand steadfast in our commitment to foster an inclusive educational environment where every student, teacher, support professional, parent and community member is treated with dignity and respect and to continue fighting for racial justice and human and civil rights for all.

Resolution #21-C-54

Approved by the Lorain Board of Education this 8th day of March, 2021.