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CSD Statement Against Anti-Asian Violence
We denounce the increasing instances of bias, violence, and hate crimes toward Asian and Asian American individuals, in Atlanta, across the US, and in other countries in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of racial animosity and hatred is a stark reminder that dangerous stereotypes and tropes often re-emerge in times of crisis and endanger the health and well-being of members of our community.
We are deeply saddened by the real, observable, and devastating implications of hateful anti-Asian rhetoric in national and international discourse. As a community, our school system is responsible for acknowledging that anti-Asian prejudice is one malignant form of systematic racism that continues to operate in our nation and acting accordingly to dismantle such outcomes.
We all stand in solidarity with the members of our community who are experiencing this and many other forms of racism and xenophobia. We pledge to remain vigilant regarding the many ways that anti-Asian prejudice and bias affect us and to continue working as a District to identify effective and actionable ways to address this and all forms of prejudice, stigmatization, and racism.
As always, staff members are available to listen to and address any concerns from our community. Please find District and other resources for addressing incidents of discrimination or harassment below:
- Staff, caretakers, and students can contact the Department of Equity and Student Support with concerns regarding discrimination and/or harassment.
- If a student or staff member appears to be having more difficulty with their feelings than might be expected, or if you could use additional support yourself, please contact a school administrator, counselor, or other support personnel.
- CSD employees are also encouraged to use the services provided through our Employee Assistance Program.
- If you would like outside information or support, please visit the following resources on our Equity website:
- Asian-American Harassment related to the COVID-19 Outbreak (*currently links to an established page with many valuable resources on the Equity & Student Support site)
- The Coalition to Support Grieving Students - The Coalition’s purpose is to create and share a set of free, industry-endorsed resources that will empower school communities across America in the ongoing support of grieving students.
- Addressing Anti-Asian Violence and Bias - These resources help teachers discuss the historical precedents for this moment, introduce ways for students to recognize and speak up against coronavirus racism, and start conversations with even the youngest learners about recognizing and acting to address injustice.
- For even more equity-related information, visit the following resources on our Equity Website.
Mari Ann Banks, Ph.D.
Equity Coordinator, City Schools of Decatur