June 2, 2020
Dear Friends,
The events of this week have weighed heavy in my head and heart. The death of George Floyd has sent shockwaves through the nation and to our corner of Ohio. I grieve for all who experience racism, who are the victims of oppression, who are all too familiar with fear for their personal safety.
First, to those members of our community who are suffering, I hold you in thought. I send energy and a pledge to make a difference. I will never know first hand what it feels like to be a person of color in our country, but as an individual and an educator I am committed to ensuring a better tomorrow. I am committed to the eradication of racism. I am educating myself on antiracist practices and the creation of inclusive communities. There is much work to do and inaction is not an option.
Over the last few days, WRA has posted on Instragram, welcomed voices, and invited students and faculty to "Race Space" virtual conversations. We have spoken with young alumni who have offered ideas for supporting and enriching the community. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee has provided an extensive and rich reading list for faculty. We have reached out to our local police department to partner with positivity. We are engaged in conversations with educational consulting experts to help us develop workshops to foster inclusivity and anti-racism in our community. We are examining our academic curriculum and asking how and where to create more opportunity for current events, an array of perspectives, and topics of relevance. We look to increase diversity within our faculty and staff.
For nearly 200 years Western Reserve Academy has endeavored to provide an educational environment where expressions of beliefs, opinion and differences are encouraged to be met with the utmost tolerance.
It is incumbent upon WRA to continue the trajectory for tolerance and model this at all times in our community. The world has changed in our two centuries, with the ubiquity of media and a proliferation of platforms that fan the flames of intolerance. But 2020 is requiring that our vision for a fair and equitable world is clearer than ever. No matter how the world changes, racism, intolerance and violence are timelessly unacceptable. We must root our entire way of being and educating in this belief.
In last evening's student forum I was struck by the powerful voices of our students. Incredibly articulate, expressive and insightful, they are filled with thoughtful ideas for making our school and world a better place. They are exhausted by the bombardment of hatred, the images flooded to them on social media, and their inheritance of a society filled with contempt and violence. And yet, within these remarkable young adults lights shine bright against this era of darkness. Our students are invigorated to make a difference and change the trajectory for the future.
At WRA we are committed to lifelong growth and learning. We do not have all of the answers, but we are willing to listen. Your voice, thoughts and perspective are deeply valued. An open invitation exists to be in dialogue. We look forward to learning from and partnering in this essential mission with you.