This is a very sensitive subject these days, but as I promised my supporters I will share my beliefs on this sensitive subject. Encarta’s dictionary defines racism as: “animosity toward other races prejudice or animosity against people who belong to other races and belief in racial superiority in that people of different races have different qualities and abilities and that some races are inherently superior or inferior.” From the many letters, and text messages I have received racism seems to be an issue in our district. I hear stories of administrators fearful of doing the right things for the students and staff due to the fact they are afraid of the race card being brought into the picture. I am a firm believer that every student, teacher, and staff member abide by the rules set in place by the district and that a person’s race should not matter. We all need to get away from being afraid we may offend somebody, and do what is best for our children. Unfortunately race will continue to be an issue to a shallow minded, uneducated individual. We need to stop being afraid of doing our jobs just because you are afraid the race card will be brought into the picture. Rules and laws apply to all people, no matter gender or race, and if they are broken and an action needs to be taken for the safety of a teacher or a child, do the right thing and quit thinking just because you are a certain color people will label you as a racist. Racism comes from many directions. Even teachers and administrators are not immune to its effects. Schools where most of the teachers are primarily one race and the assistants another are not uncommon and generally have underlining tension which can be felt by the students and parent body as well. If an administrator has a particular racial bias, she/he will often make it difficult for teachers, students, parents in little, hard to document but definitely insidious, ways. The overall efficacy of the teacher(s) and students will be compromised in these situations. Racism can be challenged and changed. Racism in schools is unfortunately still alive and well. We as educators and administrators have an enormous task ahead of us to change this tide. It is not enough that our multicultural programs have instilled pride in our country’s diverse ethnic groups. We have an obligation to also give over that pride in ourselves does not preclude respect for others. School racism can and should be addressed on all levels. Our common goal is our children. If we want racism to disappear in the world we all need to do what is right and stop looking at a person’s race, because we are all on race, and that is the human race. Thank You, Jason Bates