Central Regional Commits To Anti-Racist Measures

BERKELEY, NJ — Central Regional School District is committing to fostering a community that values diversity, in response to recent issues of racism within the school community, according to a letter sent home to parents, students and staff on Friday.

"As a District, we have to look to the past to understand our present, in hopes of fostering a better future," District superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides wrote in the letter. "With this knowledge, the District is committed to engaging with people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds in uncomfortable but meaningful conversations about valuing diversity and systemic racism.

In the letter, Parlapanides emphasizes making goals to remove barriers within schools to make a more equitable environment for people historically disadvantaged. "Our District realizes we need to be better," he said.

The letter outlines current and newly formed measures the District is taking to combat these barriers, including their newly formed District Equity Committee, People of Color Club, education and awareness training and programs for both staff/administration and students and implementation of new curriculum related to diversity education.

This news follows the recent school board meetings where racism was a heated topic. Read More: Racism Permeates Central Regional School Culture, Students Say

"We look forward to engaging with our families and community leaders, and partnering with organizations and agencies working alongside us to develop and implement strong programs to break down existing barriers, enact positive change, and better the lives of our students and staff," the letter reads.

The letter acknowledges that this is only the beginning of the journey, and that it is expected to be a long road to breaking down these barriers but assures the community Central Regional is committed to making changes.

Read More:

Community Decries Racist Posts By Central School Board Member

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