Dear CPS Community,
This has been a very difficult week as we have seen news of the horrible death of George Floyd and continue to hear of other blatantly racist events across our country. I don’t have the right words to address the range of emotions that you are experiencing, but want to share that I am thinking of you - students, families and staff - and the pain that is particularly strong for our African-American/Black community.
This moment feels especially tough as we continue to be physically isolated from one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we usually turn to one another in our community for support and comfort in the face of hate and racism. It also comes at a time when the pandemic is having a devastating impact, especially on communities of color. As we strive to become an anti-racist school system, we must find ways to actively combat racism at every level.
President Obama shared this powerful
video of Keedron Bryant that you may have seen, and that I have been unable to step away from. It is not the responsibility of our young people, especially our Black youth, to undo generations of racism. Yet, as I struggle to find the right words to share with you, the words shared by Keedron bring clarity to the gravity of the moment.
Please know that CPS counselors are available to directly support students who are struggling, and our Principals and Family Liaisons can help families and colleagues who may need to access community-based support for yourself or your family.
Please take care of yourselves, and one another.
Sincerely,
Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools