At its meeting on July 21, 2020, the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education adopted the following resolution as part of its ongoing anti-bias initiatives.
Condemning racism and affirming the board’s commitment to an inclusive school environment for all
WHEREAS, members of the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education, as well as the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District staff, are saddened and outraged by recent events that demonstrate the prejudice and injustice that persists in our country; and
WHEREAS, racism and hate have no place in our schools or our society, and we must protect the constitutional rights of every person who lives, works and learns in our community; and
WHEREAS, racial inequality and bias –both explicit and implicit—have a detrimental impact on the education of black students and others, as noted by the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Equity Council, a standing work group that examines the issue of educational equity and shares research and best practices with the NJSBA membership; and
WHEREAS, schools have the responsibility to work to eliminate racism through the education of students and the professional development of staff and by working with the broader community; and
WHEREAS, it is time to engage our community in meaningful and honest conversation about racial inequality, to build alliances with those committed to justice for all, and to work together to support our shared conviction that racism must end; and
WHEREAS, as a board of education we must lead, and each of us, individually and collectively, is responsible for creating and nurturing an anti-racist learning environment where every child is respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their skin color. We must actively
acknowledge, address and prevent racial bias that occurs as a result of district policies, practices and actions; and
WHEREAS, we must ensure that our school district will be a place of safety in our community and a beacon of light for the world, as we build and strengthen trust with those we serve, and we model the acceptance of all people.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, members of the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education, stand steadfast in our commitment to foster an inclusive educational environment where every student, teacher, support professional, parent and community member is treated with dignity and respect, as well as our commitment to continue fighting for racial justice and human and civil rights for all.
Approved by the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education this 21st day of July, 2020.
North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education President, Robert Kirchberger