We demand that social justice issues at St. Thomas More (STM) High School should be: incorporated within the school’s curriculum that allow for conversation and individual action, there is a clear plan of action to address racially-charged actions/microaggressions, and all teachers, faculty, and staff are required to participate in bias training.

As a former student at St. Thomas More, I never understood the ideas of systematic racism, privilege, or social injustice until entering my first year of college. These sentiments are strongly shared across the alumni and demonstrate the necessity to improve the current curriculum. With recent social events, it’s important to talk about these events and address them on an internal level. While these are tough conversations, it’s essential that the school cultivates a feeling of acceptance for all students regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc.

In addition, we need a clear plan of action for racially-charged microaggressions. To cultivate a feeling of acceptance and ratify the negative sentiments that many students share, there should be a plan that reprimands students for committing microaggressions. These reprimands should be sought to allow for personal growth. Following through with this and explaining why these microaggressions hurt others, even unintentionally, is important.

Finally, all the faculty and staff should conduct a formal bias training that acknowledges the environment and how they can familiarize themselves in it. Many racial microaggressions are overlooked because faculty and staff aren’t equipped to notice it. However, if staff were trained on some of the warning signs, it would cultivate a feeling of security and safety on school-grounds for all students.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please sign this petition and share it with others! Your support is greatly appreciated.