May 17, 2016 letter from Superintendent John Ramos

SOMSD Community:

At the Board of Education meeting last Thursday, and again at our security forum last night, students have shared their reactions to the recent incidents of racially offensive images and comments on social media.  The strong and honest voices of our students are a powerful sign that many of our young people value social justice and equality and are willing to stand up for what is right and be part of a constructive solution.

Unfortunately, in the meantime, we have had another incident of a student posting racially oriented material online, seemingly in retaliation for earlier incidents.  While we are all grappling with the hurt and anger which these recent images can provoke, it is important that we take a step back and address the underlying issues. We will always deal with individual students confidentially, using our code of conduct and restorative practices to address behaviors.

As a community, we need to work together towards solutions, rather than focusing on the symptoms.

I once again ask for the partnership of all parents, guardians and community members in helping students understand the impact their words, images and actions can have on other individuals and on our communities. 

We recognize that these incidents point to deeper, more institutionalized problems that have existed over time in our schools and in our nation.  Our learning community has been intentional about addressing these issues, as indicated by the recent passage of the access and equity policy, and our continuing work around cultural competency and restorative practices.  That said, we understand that there is a sharp difference between celebrating diversity and actually embracing it. 

It is part of our purpose to help lead the school district and the greater community in efforts to become whole.

Bias and racism cannot be tolerated in our community.  Our only hope of eradicating them is to have courageous conversations and take action to address our problems head on.  We are in the process of taking footage from the student and staff public comments at the last board meeting and sharing it with the entire faculty at the high school for purposes of discussions and remedy.  Our intention is to then move the conversation into the classrooms, for student discussion, facilitated by staff. 

For those of us who are intentional about this work, we have to be careful not to create an “us” versus “them” mindset.  While there may be differences of opinion about particular paths to take, it is important to focus on the fact that everyone is committed to empowering our students within an atmosphere of equity and excellence. 

Sincerely,
John J. Ramos, Sr. Ed.D.
Superintendent