Seattle Schools Community Forum: Black Lives Matter Day of Solidarity in SPS

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Black Lives Matter Day of Solidarity in SPS:

Black Lives Matter Day of Solidarity in SPS

The Seattle Teachers Association has been planning a Day of Solidarity on October 19th for African-American students in Seattle schools.  As well, the teacher group, Social Equality Educators, is part of the planning for this day.

I support this day and I support the district's efforts to close the opportunity gap for all high-risk student groups.  

However, this is may be a charged conversation but I am going to attempt to be clear about my concerns, not for the purpose of the day, but how it will play out.


 Background for October 19th

The impetus for the actual day seems to have come from Hamilton International Middle School teacher, Sarah Avery, who after seeing the John Muir celebration marred by threats to the school, decided to act.  She went to an SEA meeting and presented a resolution that was unanimously passed.

I talked to Ms. Avery about the day and she said it was for two things: solidarity with John Muir Elementary and  in support of Black Lives Matter in order to support black SPS students.  She said teachers wanted to model for students about standing up for beliefs and especially fighting fear tactics.

Ms Avery said that many teachers were planning lessons around this effort for Seattle Schools Community Forum: Black Lives Matter Day of Solidarity in SPS:

Comment Moderation On

Due to the sensitive nature about the upcoming Day of Solidarity thread, I have term comment moderation on for the the next several days.I know it's a drag but I don't have the ability to turn it on for just one thread.I'll be trying to keep up with your comments because they are important.

Posted by Melissa Westbrook