Racial Inequities To Be Addressed At BCPS: School Board

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Amid protests and unrest across the nation, the Baltimore County Board of Education condemned what its members called the "horrific deaths of African Americans around the country." Going forward, the school board pointed to transparency as vital.

Board members pledged to address "issues of systemic and institutional racism, as well as closing gaps of inequity within our school system" with staff and the superintendent.

The board reiterated messaging that Superintendent Darryl Williams provided in early June about the availability of support for the school community during this time.

Here are resources for emotional support.

The Board of Education of Baltimore County issued this statement following what it called "racism and recent events" on Monday, June 8, addressed to the BCPS community:

"We, the Board of Education of Baltimore County, abhor the horrific deaths of African Americans around the country and understand the civic unrest; feelings most recently displayed in many American cities. The killings of unarmed U.S. citizens Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and most recently George Floyd in Minnesota have sparked protests around the country.

"The current civil unrest during the COVID-19 pandemic only adds to the African American community’s collective trauma. Communities of color already disproportionately affected by the virus may see even greater numbers of cases in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

"What is needed now is open and honest communication and transparency to move our communities and nation forward. The Board looks forward to continuing conversations with each other and with Superintendent Dr. Darryl Williams and BCPS staff to address issues of systemic and institutional racism, as well as closing gaps of inequity within our school system.

"We are stronger together. We encourage the community to also read the statement to the community issued by Dr. Williams and to take advantage of the additional supports being offered to our school communities."

See Also:

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