- Seneca Valley School District
- Overview
Standing together
June 3, 2020
Dear School Community,
Like everyone in our community, we are experiencing countless emotions elicited by the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis. This time is a stark reminder that we have much work to do to address the inequalities and injustices that exist in our schools, our communities and our country.
We also want to address an abhorrent video of one of our high school students that was posted on several social media platforms and uses an appalling racist statement. We were stunned to see it and find this type of behavior to be repulsive. First and foremost, we want you to know we denounce this type of behavior. The comments that were made in this video are not what we stand for as a school district or community. We are against racism and discrimination in any form.
Even though this incident took place away from school, we have involved multiple school personnel, the student and the student’s family regarding this matter. Due to student confidentiality laws, we will not publicly share further details of our conversations or any actions.
We know the school year just ended, but our work in combating racism as an educational institution and as a country must go on. We stand with our black and brown students in unity of this mission and are committed to listening and further educating ourselves so we can provide a more inclusive setting for all. We must ensure that all students have a sense of belonging and connection—a place where social-emotional, physical and mental health is valued.
We encourage all of you to join us in continuing to educate our youth with ongoing and meaningful conversations about what is taking place across our country. In addition, our children must always understand the powerful impact of their words and actions. Racial slurs and derogatory comments are hateful, and they cause lasting damage to our students of color.
We are joining you in this effort not only in our homes but with colleagues here in the District so we may provide a nurturing and safe educational environment for all students. Our students of color must feel welcome and safe in our schools, and that starts with us—the adults. Racism can only stop if we talk about it, educate ourselves, listen and stand up to all forms of hate.
We cannot stress this enough—we will not tolerate racism or discrimination in the Seneca Valley School District. We all can do better; we must do better.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tracy Vitale
Seneca Valley Superintendent of Schools
and
Mr. James Nickel
Seneca Valley School Board President