MCPS Board Members,

We wish to lend our support to recent statements to you from: Daphne Yao, Professor of Computer Science at VT; Deborah Wen-Hwei Carlier, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement, College of Engineering; Béla Williams, HS student, son of Kang Xia and Mark Williams, both professors of School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at VT; Beth Obenshaine, president of the Montgomery League of Women Voters; Zhaomin Yang, Professor of Biology at VT; and Tiffany Trent, parent of two adopted children from China

Racist actions in our community can never to be tolerated; the stories they shared of recent anti-Asian racism to children in our public school system are deeply troubling. All children, regardless of race, ability, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender expression or sexual preference, are wondrous gifts of our creator that we, as a community, must treasure. We all send our children to school with the hopes that they will be safe and have the opportunity to thrive; when that is not the case, we, as a community, are called to act.

Statements, speeches and press releases rejecting discrimination of any kind by the school board and by the leadership of the school system are meaningful first steps, but words aren't enough; action is required. These courageous individuals offered recommendations for your consideration, and we endorse these recommendations.  We also suggest that you consider restorative practices in the schools in response to issues of discrimination, in particular, and interpersonal issues in general.  Restorative practices are about building community and strengthening relationships and provide a voice to those that are victimized and an opportunity for growth for offenders that is often missing from traditional disciplinary procedures.

These children, all of them, are my children; these children, all of them, are your children. Let's take care of them.

You can comment directly to the MCPS Board at https://www.mcps.org/.../school_board/school_board_meetings