A message from the BATs Leadership Team about #BlackLivesMatter
BATs believe that systemic racism continues to be a problem
in America and that we must work together to end it. We need to acknowledge
that it is a problem in order to move towards that end, and we need to call it
out when we see it.
BATs believe that we need to use a variety of tactics to end
racism. We believe that sometimes civil disobedience and disruption are
necessary.
BATs believe that #BlackLivesMatter. PERIOD! And that
includes Black Voices. It is not White America’s place to control how the movement
manifests itself.
BATs believe that we all have a role to play in ending
systemic racism in America, and that we need to support each other and respect
each other during that process.
BATs believe this fight is necessary to help our students.
The effects of institutional racism in our schools is undeniable and is a major
force that is impeding our students' ability to reach their full potential in
life.
BATs believe in LISTENING to people of color and not trying to
invalidate or blame people for their reactions or experiences under a racist
system, because that is the way to move forward.
BATs believe that if you want CORRECT information on the #BlackLivesMatter
movement you will visit their website. We have been disgusted by the
misinformation spread about the movement in mainstream media. Go here if you
want FACTUAL information on movement news and events
http://blacklivesmatter.com/
And most importantly, BATs believe that we will
win.
Having just viewed again the movie "Conrack" with Jon Voight, I am struck by the similarities between current educational policies in many states, including my own Indiana, and the racist views enforced by the white elitists in the film. Educators and true administrators should stand up as Pat Conroy did even at the risk of their jobs to defend students' rights to learn from creative teachers instead of being labeled "lazy" or "failing" by biased testing scores. Time to take back our schools!
ReplyDeleteJeb Bush blamed teachers and teacher unions for social justice and racial justice problems yesterday. My kids chased him out of the forum chanting Black Lives Matter after he refused to answer specific questions from black women. Also Bush gave out misinformation about immigration and told one activist he should wait 100 years or a century to see his family. If you do not believe that racial issues are directly linked to everything happening in public schools - you need to wake up.
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