Dear Meridian Families,
As the nation struggles to process the senseless killings of George Floyd, Mike Ramos, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, as the deep race-related inequities of the impact of COVID-19 are acknowledged, and as we recognize long-standing racial injustice that continues to this day,
it is critical that everyone feels safe and supported as part of the Meridian family.
In this time, we are especially concerned for the well-being of our Black community. We want a better world for everyone and believe that diversity is a benefit that makes us all stronger. This ethos of equality exists deep in the core of the International Baccalaureate's mission: to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We recognize that this starts with us, both as individuals and together as a school community.
Meridian's leadership is committed to creating a space for conversations on bias and racism. While school may be out for the summer, we are taking steps to provide support for our students, staff, and parents of color. We recognize Meridian's responsibility to acknowledge, address, and root out biases. This begins with education. The steps include, but are not limited to, the following:
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The Committee for Equity, open to parents and faculty, will be created through the Advisory Council.
These are actions we as school leadership know are important, and we know that many of you are already working through this trauma with your families, friends, and colleagues. These organizations have compiled comprehensive lists of resources to facilitate conversations at home:
As always, please reach out to me or your child's principal should you have specific concerns or suggestions.
Meridian's leadership understands that we are all experiencing and responding to these events in our own ways. Please know that we are here to support you. We are ready to have these difficult conversations. Let us know what you need to take care of yourselves. We want to do better.
Sincerely,
Rick Fernández
Head of School
