JUNE 2020

OPEN LETTER TO:
THE MAMARONECK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
THE MUFSD BOARD OF EDUCATION AND
DR. ROBERT M. SHAPS, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

FROM:
CONCERNED MEMBERS OF THE LARCHMONT MAMARONECK COMMUNITY

It has recently come to our attention that a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed on May 18, 2020 on behalf of two children of our community. See Complaint at: https://tinyurl.com/ycycr9v4

We have read the complaint, which alleges that children of our community were subjected to severe and persistent racial harassment and discrimination during their time attending our elementary, middle and high schools.

We have read the complaint, which alleges that the Board of Education, School Administrators and Staff were aware of these incidents and failed to adequately and appropriately act to remedy the situation.

We have read the complaint. We are horrified and deeply disturbed.

We are calling for the following actions to be taken immediately:

• A full investigation and greater accountability
• A thorough review of how racial harassment and discrimination in our schools is handled and resolved
• Increased dialogue and transparency about racism in our schools and a comprehensive action plan to address it

Let us work together to ensure that 2020 is the year in which we realize the dream of living in a community where the ideals we teach our children are in fact our shared reality.