As a member of the Bethel, CT community and recent alumni of Bethel High School in 2015, I have decided to use my voice for those that are being silenced. As you are aware, there is a national (some might say global) movement currently going on in our society regarding the recent events of racial injustice that Black Americans, along with many other minority groups, are facing. What is even more disturbing than seeing systemic racism in our society is the fact that heinous racial injustices have occurred within our own public school system. 

At the rally there were numerous alumni and current Bethel students that spoke out about the racist sentiments, actions, and words  that they have experienced from their peers as well as  teachers/staff within our schools. Teachers, administrators, etc. were mentioned by name by students for their wrongful treatment of these minority students, particularly Black students. As a white alumni, I can wholeheartedly say how disappointed and disgusted I am to learn of what has been endured by my fellow alumni and students within our school system. 

The instances of racial injustice are just a few of the reasons why there needs to be accountability for faculty members within the walls of our public school system. For a school system and town that preaches about kindness, it seems that this kindness has restrictions for who it applies to. For a town that is usually roaring with pride at sporting events, concerts, etc. there was a lull of silence that swept our community once minority students started speaking up about the injustice they face. For a school system that speaks out against bullying and treating others differently based on how they look, there seems to be an exception for racism. 

The following are demands/requests from members of the Bethel community per the Black Lives Matter rally held on June 7, 2020 in our town:

1. Hold all faculty and teachers accountable for their discriminatory and racist actions that have been brought to the public and communities attention over the past few weeks. 
2. Make a public statement signed by the Board of Education, Superintendent, and school principals against racism and police brutality. The statement should also include their commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance of all within their schools. 
3. Change the curricula of all of the schools in order to accurately depict and discuss racism as well as Black History, especially during Black History Month. 
4. Employ a more diverse faculty that includes more minority teachers teaching in our school system, especially African American teachers. 
5. Implement annual anti-bias training for teachers and faculty so that they can learn how to approach students of different backgrounds fairly,  rather than using their personal views to do so. 
6. Employ more social workers and counselors throughout the school system for students to have access to at all times throughout the school day. 

The above demands/requests are just the beginning of striving towards a more inclusive school system. Accountability, diversity, as well as change are all ways that the Bethel Public Schools can show that they do not condone racism and the recent events that have occurred in society, as well as in our own school system.

Here is the link to the letter that has been sent to our Board of Education, First Selectman, and Superintendent: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nzf_ua4ZsRWwwBp0g_VBajB0CY5fkcsmdZETkaYSWAY/edit?usp=sharing

Please sign this petition advocating for our school district to take affirmative action on this matter.