The Education Committee of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People  fully supports the Durham Public Schools Board of Education decision-making that aligns with upholding equity and prioritizes the safety of our children. As such, we are pleased to hear that David Hawks’ contract as principal at Durham School of the Arts was not renewed.  For years our community has discussed the pushout that many of our students experienced under his leadership. Black and Brown children are roughly 3x times more likely to receive out of school suspension and referrals to the Restorative Practices Center ( or in school suspsension) as their white counterparts.

Given the emphasis on the arts, DSA has the potential to not only excel academically, but also creatively and socially, by providing culturally affirming environments for their entire school community, particularly for our most marginalized Black and brown students.  We hope that the school board and district leaders work with students, educators, and families to find a principal who leads with a racial equity lens, believes in the dignity, creativity, and academic success of all students, supports educator advocacy for social justice, and works to build relationships with families. The new principal will need a leadership team who ascribes to these same values so that they can be reflected throughout the school.

We look forward to watching DSA grow under new leadership!  We are thankful for the Board's bold decision-making and for landing on the right side of history. This marks a turning point in the trajectory of Durham Public Schools. We, along with the undersigned, petition the DPS Board of Education to stand by their decision to not reinstate David Hawks' contract.