Your turn: Schools, society must confront racism

The vandalism that recently occurred at Lawrence High School is a clear reminder that racism still exists across our nation, in our state and even in our hometown. While the Lawrence Police Department quickly apprehended five high school seniors suspected of committing this crime, this incident should not be ignored or quickly forgotten by our community. To simply dismiss this act as “a high school prank taken too far” is to willfully ignore the word of choice used in the graffiti on the field: “N—-rs.”

This crime and other recent events in our nation have unavoidably brought the issue of racism into our daily lives and conversations. Because of this, it is a critical that we discuss racism and all of its negative effects, not with emotional rants directed at those who disgraced themselves and their school with their behavior, but with meaningful discussions on the matter. Racism must be confronted head-on by every parent, educator, and concerned individual in our community. Frank, honest, and open conversations will do a great deal to help stop the spread of racism, which is often born out of ignorance, mistrust, and a lack of understanding of people with a different ethnicity or cultural heritage from our own.

The educators and administrators of USD 497 realize the vital role education plays in the process of eliminating racism from both our schools and communities. Our teachers are engaged with our children throughout the school day, during extracurricular activities, and in mentoring programs. As such, they are some of the most important role models our children will have in their lives. The district’s equity work involves individuals at all levels — school board members, administrators, educators, support staff, students, parents and community partners.

More than 500 individuals have participated in a two-day Beyond Diversity seminar that focuses on “Courageous Conversations” for interracial dialogue. We also have a community-based Equity Council to review educational issues using an equity lens and advise the school board accordingly. The District Equity Leadership Team has developed an Educational Equity and Excellence Plan and meets regularly to guide the district’s equity work. Additionally, all of our school principals and district administrators have completed Leading Equity Anti-Racism Development training. The district’s “Can We Talk?” program has involved students at the middle and high school levels in equity work within their schools.

When I was in eighth grade, I had an English teacher named Mrs. Johnson. She was a wonderful educator and beautiful person who had no tolerance for profanity or disrespect directed towards anyone. Mrs. Johnson would likely have said the racially charged slur being scrawled onto the LHS football field was “the feeble attempt of a weak mind to express itself in a forceful manner.” I am certain she would have also advocated for both a meaningful educational experience for those who committed this act and a fitting punishment for their actions. She believed that some people change when they see the light and others when they feel the heat.

While a quality education can change many minds and help us to become a better society, racism goes beyond education alone and is a societal problem. You can show racists countless facts to demonstrate that their beliefs are unfounded; however, racists will likely ignore these facts, find other racists to support their beliefs, and continue to infect their children, families, and our communities with their ethnocentric views.

To remove racism from our communities and society we must never turn a blind eye to racism. When racist comments are made, we cannot simply feel uncomfortable and turn away. We must confront racism at every opportunity and this must be done in our homes, places of worship, schools, and at work. Silence can be mistaken for implied consent and serve to sustain the behaviors which can divide or even destroy our communities.

Lawrence is rightfully proud of its Free State traditions and its history of standing against racism and oppression. However, the fight for freedom was not only our forefathers’ battle, it remains our struggle today. The vandalism at Lawrence High School is a good reminder that our beliefs in equality, community, and brotherhood must be defended whenever they are challenged or the foundation for the American way of life, that all men are created equal, will simply erode beneath our feet.