Superintendent Lin-Rodriguez sent a letter last night promising the district would reprint the entire 2020 HTHS yearbook. While we are encouraged that the district is finally taking responsible action, questions remain.
The letter says "be aware that this is not due to any one particular item" and fails to acknowledge the hate symbol.
What are the "number of items" that are now causing a total reprint? Do they really rise to the level of needing a reprint of the entire yearbook rather than just the page with the hate symbol? Or is the district just burying the hate symbol issue? The district should demonstrate it isn't just whitewashing the real issue by detailing these changes transparently.
How will they ensure that every yearbook is replaced? Will students have to return to the school to exchange their yearbook? What about graduates that have moved away to college? What about students who already collected signatures in their yearbooks? A replacement page is easily mailed so the district should communicate its delivery plan for the new yearbook.
See Lin-Rodgriguez's announcement below:
July 22, 2020
Dear Parents and Members of the HCST Community:
Thank you to the parents and community members who have taken the time to express concerns regarding the High Tech High School (HTHS) 2020 yearbook. The Hudson County Schools of Technology acknowledges the effort and commitment to the integrity of this priceless collection of reflections and memories. Upon close review, it has become apparent that the entire publication must be reprinted. The administrative team has come to an agreement that the Class of 2020 deserves a yearbook reflective of their time spent at HTHS that commemorates the valuable lessons and positive memories that will last a lifetime.
There are a number of items in the yearbook that undermine that positive experience and we will correct that. Please be aware that this is not due to any one particular item, but rather that we have reached the conclusion that the entire publication does not meet the high standards to which we hold ourselves. Due to the realities of COVID-19, this publication was not reviewed in the usual manner. I would like to think that had we not been faced with the pandemic and health related school closure, proper oversight would have occurred and the final product would have been an appropriate tribute to the Class of 2020.
An appointed committee has been established to revise the High Tech High School 2020 yearbook. We plan to make this right within our community and give the Class of 2020 the yearbook they deserve. Once the edits and republication are complete, students will be welcome to exchange the original for a replacement. The HTHS Office will keep you informed of the completion progress and coordinate the exchange efforts. In the interim, if you have any questions, kindly contact Mr. D. Masoud 201-662-6708.
As a school district, we plan to use this as an opportunity to learn and appreciate the experience as a teachable moment. Moving forward, we will work together as a community to educate ourselves in language and symbols to ensure that nothing is published without thorough vetting. We are committed to taking steps to increase programming to better facilitate our district’s values of a diverse learning community and pride in our schools – only our collective actions and unified voices will demonstrate our commitment.
Respectfully Yours,
Amy Lin-Rodriguez, Superintendent