This petition comes from a deeply personal and heart-wrenching place, where our children attending Rutland High School have endured long-standing, unacceptable and deeply offensive racism under Mrs. Pooler's leadership as Principal. Many of our children, alongside their friends, have been victims of these disturbing incidents. This is not the safe and nurturing educational environment we expect and demand for our kids.

In a diverse country as ours and more so in a learning establishment, such actions and behaviors should not be defenses but rather indecent crimes. The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that in 2019, there were 920 hate groups operating in the US, a horrifying number that has no place in our schools (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2019). Schools need to be the stage for teaching respect and understanding among different cultures. It's a matter of collective responsibility for society and our future generations.

We wish for Rutland High School to live up to its duty of providing a safe, equal, and respectful educational environment for all of its students. Therefore, we demand that Mrs. Pooler be removed from her position due to her failure to protect these principles.

Let's not let our children down, let's listen to their stories and act. It's time for change. Sign this petition if you stand with us in demanding Mrs. Pooler's resignation. Together, let's make sure our children feel safe and respected where they learn.