Los Cerritos Elementary School students

SSFUSD School Board Passes Resolution Denouncing Racism and Reaffirming Commitment to Equity

Resolution No. 20-52
WHEREAS, since our nation’s inception, institutional and structural racism and injustice, have led to deepening racial disparities across all sectors of society and have lasting negative consequences for our communities, cities, and nation, robbing countless lives and futures of people of color in the process; and
WHEREAS, the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees recognize all human beings are born free, are equal in dignity and rights, and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of society; and
WHEREAS, the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other Black Americans demonstrate the ongoing systemic bias and institutional racism in American society and highlight our nation’s history of violence, racism, and disregard for the humanity, dignity, and lives of students, families, and communities of color, calling upon us to speak out, take action and confirm our resolve to work for change and fight for a better world for our children; and
WHEREAS, dismantling the unchecked institutional racism that abounds in our educational system is a key lever for creating a more equitable and anti-racist community, nation, and world; and
WHEREAS, racism, racial bias, and bigotry in American schools and communities negatively impacts students of color and their families, often relegating them to school systems with fewer resources and opportunities and hindering their ability to access and benefit from public education in the same way other students do; and
WHEREAS, schools have an important role to play in examining and addressing policies and procedures that are racist and hold back students of color instead of nurturing their intelligence and protecting their futures; and
WHEREAS, our public schools are facilitators of the limitless growth potential of all people, with the charge to instill in our youth a belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, be valued for their humanity, and be treated ethically; and
WHEREAS, understanding racism, racial injustice, racial inequality in America is integral to understanding both the myth of meritocracy in the United States and the everyday experiences of people of color; and
WHEREAS, it is essential to teach the experiences, honor the history, and highlight the contributions of Black people through history and/or Ethnic Studies, while ensuring that every Black person has the social, economic, and political power to thrive; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the disproportionate physical, mental, and financial toll on Black, Brown and Indigenous communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees, stands firmly against bigotry, prejudice, discrimination and inequity in all forms, both institutional and individual and wishes to affirm its commitment to the well-being and safety of Black community members and let them know they are not alone and that our district stands in solidarity with them and their struggle for justice;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees will not tolerate racist treatment of any members of our community, and we will speak out against racism and systemic oppression in our society to help stop the spread of bigotry, affirming our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students in combating racial biases, microaggressions, racial profiling, and hate crimes in our government systems and school district; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees, is committing ourselves to eradicating institutional racism in our schools and to eliminating disparities in educational outcomes for students of color; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees commits itself not only to address the symbols of institutional racism, but also to proactively identify and address biases, practices, policies, and institutional barriers that perpetuate injustice and inequality in our schools and our community, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South San Francisco Unified School District is committed to restorative justice practices, anti-racist training, culturally responsive teaching and resources that provide safe spaces for discussions on race and injustice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South San Francisco Unified School District will work tirelessly and collaboratively with staff, students, and families to dismantle institutionalized racism in our society and school district.
FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, the South San Francisco School Board of Trustees clearly and unequivocally affirm that Black Lives Matter.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Trustees of the South San Francisco Unified School District at a regular meeting held on this 25th day of June 2020, by the following vote:
Patricia A. Murray
Eddie Flores
John Baker
Daina Lujan
Mina Richardson
ATTEST:
John Baker
Secretary/Clerk of the Board
Shawnterra Moore
Superintendent of Schools
I certify the above is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees at a regular meeting held on June 25, 2020.