ECS Statement on Rise of Violence in AAPI Community
To the ECS Community,
Over the past year, our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities have experienced a rise in hate and violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a dual crisis of racism and xenophobia, however, this kind of behavior toward the Asian community has long historical roots in the United States. Recent news reports have covered these acts of hate and violence against the Asian community from all over the world, including Tuesday night’s tragic shootings in the Atlanta area. These violent acts are hateful and indicative of the racism and xenophobia targeting members of the AAPI community during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and are a result of the ongoing exploits of misogyny, classism, white supremacy, gun violence, and stereotypes.
As an organization, ECS denounces racism and hate in all forms unequivocally, and we will continue to prioritize our anti-racism and anti-bias work with all of our constituents. It is imperative to break down stereotypes, hate, and racism and understand the strength found in diversity and the history of the Asian community. The anti-racism movement is not a singular issue, and an understanding of anti-Asian violence must intersect with an analysis of anti-Black racism in order to stand together in solidarity.
At times like these, it is important to remember our district’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and our dedication to gender equality, reducing inequalities, and peace and justice for everyone. ECS services a diverse student body, and as our journey to anti-racism marches on, we will continue to identify and respond to racism and xenophobia while partaking in consistent, age-appropriate, and courageous conversations with students through Social-Emotional Learning and Anti-Bias Anti-Racist (ABAR) lessons that are currently built into the curriculum. We will continue to look deeply into our programming to ensure it represents and encompasses all communities. To that end, please expect a communication from your student’s building principal within the next week with additional information and age-appropriate resources.
Hate has no place in our community or schools, virtual or in-person. ECS will continue to focus on its commitment to being an anti-racist organization while embedding these teachings in all content areas, but this work does not and should not stop at our organization. If you are unaware of the hate and violence the AAPI community faces, please take a moment to review the information below. Knowledge is key to identifying racism and hate, and it enables us to take action through a 4 step process for speaking up: interrupt, question, educate, and echo.
Review the “We are not a Stereotype” video series
If you are in need of additional resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to your building’s counselor.
As global citizens, we strive to do what is right, and ECS remains dedicated to its work to dismantle oppressive systems while educating and supporting the health, safety, and well-being of its students, staff, families, and the greater community. We must teach solidarity, tolerance, acceptance, and above all, love for one another regardless of our differences to our young folks today to ensure a better tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Jon McCann, CEO
James Doyle, COO
Dwight Laufman, CSSO
Mandy Cribbs, CAO
Michael Aronson, Chair - Board of Trustees.