Marblehead Public Schools Approve Social Justice Resolution

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead School Committee on Thursday approved a social justice resolution that stated all districts in the state "must guarantee that racist practices are eradicated, and diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded and practiced for our students, families, faculty and staff."

Marblehead Superintendent of Schools John Buckey said in his weekly letter to the school community on Friday: "While this is an important and symbolic step, we must go further and do more."

Buckey said recent meetings with METCO students and their families reminded him of the important role that schools play in confronting systemic racial injustice.

"We did not get to this point — as a society or as a district — overnight, nor will things change quickly, so we must commit to practice and embed diversity, equity and inclusion for our students, families, faculty and staff," Buckey said.

Buckey praised the organization and passion Team Harmony students showed with the Breonna Taylor Social Justice Fair.

"Many asked what MPS is doing to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for METCO students — protecting them from the injustice and racism that is instilled in our major social systems, and that has — unfortunately, but undeniably — been exhibited in our schools," he said. "While I know these steps are just the beginning of the work, I cited examples of professional development, book groups and curriculum conversations that we have implemented."

In other notes, Buckey said each day the district is identifying "glitches" in its remote-transition-to-hybrid learning model, and asked for patience from students, parents and staff as hiccups are endured during the opening weeks of the school year.

The School Committee also voted 5-0 to allow student-athletes to participate in fall athletics in cross country, field hockey and soccer — with rules modifications to promote physical distancing and minimize incidental physical contact.

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