Important Message from Dr. Campbell
Monday, March 29, 2021
Dear Plymouth Community,
It is with deep sadness I write to acknowledge the recent murders in Atlanta, another horrific incident of violent and racist attacks against Asian-American people across this country. As multiple reports have highlighted, hate crime incidents targeting Asian-Americans have increased by 150% since last year. (Source: Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, at California State University, San Bernardino). These attacks should be seen for what they are: racist and xenophobic violence.
As a District, we reject racist and hateful behavior. We aim to promote and celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment where all are welcome, respected, and feel a sense of belonging. These are the values we want to instill in our students and the values we believe our employees and community members should model. In the coming years, we will maintain an investment in anti-bias and microaggressions training, culturally responsive teaching, and professional learning to operationalize equity in all our schools. Now more than ever, we must demonstrate our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
As we acknowledge the persistent discrimination and racism taking place all over our country each day, I would be remiss if I did not speak to the recent action taken by our Plymouth North High Schools students during a recent football game. I would like to commend the action students on the PNHS football team took when faced with a situation that was inappropriate, offensive, and anti-Semitic in nature. This is a positive example of how we want our students to act and react when in this type of situation. We can all be vigilant allies by reporting any acts of hate, racism, discrimination and xenophobia.
As a school community, we must remain committed to the continuous pursuit of an unbiased, compassionate, and inclusive society. It will take the collective efforts of our entire PPS community - staff, students, and families - to combat hate, racism, and discrimination. Education and conversations are ways in which we can all promote anti-racism and discrimination in our community. To encourage families to begin or continue these conversations, we have provided resources below.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”. Thank you for your continued support as we help our students make sense of the world around them in this unsettled time.
Sincerely,
Christopher S. Campbell, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Resources for families
Countering COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Stigma and Racism: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Young, Proud and Sung-Jee: a children's book on fighting anti-Asian racism during COVID-19
American Academy of Pediatrics: The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Check back to our Diversity Committee webpage for additional resources updated continually
Dr. Christopher S. Campbell
Superintendent of Schools
11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 508-830-4300 | Fax: 508-746-1873
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