A response to the Boston Police Union Attack on Black Lives Matter at School: “This is a movement for equity, inclusion, and the uplifting of Black students”
We, the organizers of the Black Lives Matter at School movement, strongly condemn the shameful attack on Boston educators launched by Boston Police Patrolmen’s Union President Michael Leary. During the first week of February, 2020, thousands of educators in over 40 cities and towns around the country organized the third annual Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. Leary wrote a letter on behalf of the 1,400 members of his association attacking the Black Lives Matter at School movement and strongly urged that Boston Teacher’s Union President Jessica Tang withdraw her union’s participation from the national Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action.
In his letter, Leary wrote that Black Lives Matter has made policing more dangerous— without sighting any examples or statistics—and claimed, “Vilifying those who serve the public as police officers only increases distrust and puts police and citizens at risk of increased violence from an emboldened group of angry anti-police individuals.”
This attack on educators who seek to support the lives of Black students is shameful, misguided, and harmful to Black students and educators. The suggestion that uplifting and affirming Black students in school—the true purpose of the Black Lives Matter at School movement—is putting police and citizens at risk of increased violence is shocking and reprehensible.
“Through our participation, we’re demonstrating support, love, and affirmation to our CONTINUE READING: A response to the Boston Police Union Attack on Black Lives Matter at School: “This is a movement for equity, inclusion, and the uplifting of Black students” – Black Lives Matter At School