The Verona Education Association’s Anti-Racism Committee (Jen Kleinknecht, Marie Meyer, Nathan Scott, Jonathan Thai, Corisa Walker and Rich Wertz) issued this statement on Thursday, April 22:
As an organization of dedicated professional educators, the Verona Education Association knows that Tuesday was of historic importance for our country. The conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd was significant. This is not a political issue, but rather one of human rights. Black Lives Matter.
The Verona Education Association strongly believes that education is the key to creating a better and more equitable world. Through the power of education, we can create a world where differences are recognized and embraced, and all children have a voice. All people in this country deserve to benefit from inclusive policies that uphold their natural and civil rights. Through the power of education, we can create an environment free from stigma, bias, and hate.
While the conviction of Chauvin yesterday was historically important, it is only one step in a long journey to creating a more perfect union. The Verona Education Association is committed to listen, learn, and work to build a school system, town, and country that values, respects, loves and embraces all members of our community. We must keep coming together to demand that our officials respect our rights and our humanity, no matter our race, background or where we live. Hate has no home in our classrooms, hate has no room in our hearts, and yesterday’s conviction was evidence that hate must have no place in our justice system.
Thank you for this heartfelt and meaningful statement!
Thank you for this important statement and for organizing as you have! I look forward to building relationships with you through the new school-based Diversity Task Force.