To: Linda Kohler- Board President, Members of the State School Board of Ohio, and Paolo DeMaria- Superintendent of Public Instruction
From: The Board of Public Education Partners
Date: June 12, 2021
The members of the Board of Public Education Partners wholeheartedly support the State School Board of Ohio’s resolution to advance equity and condemn racism in our schools. We stand with the State Board of Education against white supremacy culture, hate speech, and hate crimes.
The PEP Board agrees that our public-school districts are fundamental to our democratic society. We must all be dedicated to equity and to the thoughtful teaching of our children that racism, bigotry and hatred should have no place in our country, state, and system of schools.
Our children deserve a proper and accurate understanding of our nation’s history and governmental institutions. Students are worthy of a culturally responsive curriculum that reflects their collective ancestry and backgrounds- one that empowers them to value every culture.
Since the path to equity begins with a deep understanding of the history of inequalities and inhumanity and how they have come to impact society, PEP strongly agrees with the State BOE’s recommendation that Ohio schools must begin to examine all facets of district operations, with a special emphasis on curriculum, hiring practices, staff development practices, and student discipline.
The PEP Board would like to thank the members of the State School Board of Ohio for considering the needs of ALL children in the development of this groundbreaking “Resolution to Condemn Racism and to Advance Equity and Opportunity for Black Students, Indigenous Students and Students of Color.”
Sincerely,
The Board of Public Education Partners of Ohio
