FHS Stands Against Hatred
Dear Students, Families and Faculty,
It is always hard to find words, let alone the right words, for acts of racist violence. The news of the shootings in Atlanta in which multiple Asian American women were killed is especially devastating in the wake of rising violence against the Asian community. This is an unspeakable tragedy for the victims and their families, for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and all of us. The FHS community condemns all acts of racial violence in all forms - our hearts break for those impacted by these horrific acts of violence.
In the last year, we have witnessed countless incidents of brutality inflicted on people of color. In that time, there has been a 150% increase in reported assaults against Asian Americans. This violence predates this pandemic. It is a painful history and reality that must be acknowledged. As a school, we stand up against this racism and violence in support of our Asian American Pacific Islander students, staff and community members. We are reaching out as a reminder that we are here for you.
The following resources are articles, a poem, and a quote that may help as we process last week's events. Building awareness through education and conversation is a necessary step in restorative justice.
What this wave of anti-Asian violence reveals about America
Author Viet Thahn Nguyen on the 'deep well' of anti-Asian racism in the U.S.
How racism and sexism intertwine to torment Asian American women
Poem 'Alternate Reality, or, A Narrow Opening' by spoken word poet Bao Phi
In Framingham, we have a thriving Asian community. As we strive to become an anti-racist district, we express our uncompromising public support for our Asian American students, families, and staff. Our work in affirming the value of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to who we are as a school community. We remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice and equity for all in our community. We owe this to the students and families we serve and are here to support, provide resources for, and listen to you.
Sincerely,
The FHS Administration
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As we remain resolute in our support, if any students are having difficulty and would like to access help, they can visit or email their grade level social worker.
D102 - Grade 9: Ms. Preziosi @ cpreziosi@framingham.k12.ma.us
D109 - Grade 10: Ms. Pucci @ cpucci@framingham.k12.ma.us
D102 - Grade 11: Ms. Crisp @ ecrisp@framingham.k12.ma.us
D109 - Grade 12: Mr. Curtiss @ rcurtiss@framingham.k12.ma.us
Additionally: Mr. DeSimone @ pdesimone@framingham.k12.ma.us
RESOURCES TO CARE FOR OURSELVES & OTHERS
IN COMBATING ANTI-ASIAN RACISM AMIDST COVID-19
Information & Guidance
· CDC Guidance for Reducing Stigma of COVID-19
· Joint Statement from ADL and Committee of 100 on the Rise of Anti-Asian Xenophobia and Hate
Talking with Young Children
· Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus (NPR)
· Addressing Anti-Asian Racism with Students (Smithsonian Asian American Center)
· How to Teach Kids about Taboo Topics (TED Talk)
· Let’s Talk: Supporting Asian and Asian American Students through COVID-19 (MGH Institute)
· Talking to Kids about Asian American Identity & Racism (Immigrant History Initiative)
Responding to Racism
· How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism (Teaching Tolerance/Learning for Justice)
· Addressing Anti-Asian Bias (Teaching Tolerance/Learning for Justice)
· Show Up: Guide to Bystander Intervention (Center for Urban Pedagogy)
· COVID-19 Resources to Stand Against Racism (Asian Americans Advancing Justice)
For Members of the AAPI Community
· Self-Care Tips for Asian-Americans Dealing with Racism amid Coronavirus (Huffington Post)
· Anti-Asian Racism Resources (Harvard University Health Services)
· Anti-Racism Resources for the AAPI Community (Cornell University)
For Allies of the AAPI Community
· Protecting & Supporting AAPI Workers during COVID-19 (Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance)
· Anti-Racism Resources to Support Asian American, Pacific Islander Community (NBC)
· Confronting Racism and Supporting Asian American Communities in the Wake of COVID-19 (Urban Institute)
NASP
· How to Speak with Children about Violence
William James College
· Guidance for Parents of Asian-American Adolescents
Additional Resources
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AJC (Washington, DC) (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (Website, Twitter, Facebook)