We hope you will continue to discuss at home how we all have responsibility in creating a safe supportive, inclusive community. The following resource may help you in engaging in productive dialogue with your student: Language Matters.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or to Diversity and Equity Coordinator, Caroline Han, if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy a wonderful February Vacation next week.
Respectfully,
Betsy Gavron
Message teachers will read in homeroom 2/8/21:
"May I have your undivided attention for a message from Ms. Gavron.
Good morning,
As you know, Belonging, Empathy, Respect and Trust are at the heart of what we hope defines our Wayland Middle School community. I am asking your homeroom teachers to talk to you this morning because that sense of belonging and trust was shaken for one class in our community last week, and therefore, it was shaken for our entire community. I wanted us all to have an opportunity to learn from this experience, so we can be more thoughtful, empathic citizens - both in person and online.
On Friday afternoon someone (we believe to be a WMS student) impersonated a class member to enter a remote 8th grade science class. Upon entry, he said and repeated the N - word. Thankfully, a teacher in the class, removed the zoom crasher almost immediately, but not soon enough to prevent the hateful word from being used in what is supposed to be a safe and welcoming space for all students. We, the adults of Wayland Middle School, are united in condemning this cowardly act of racism that is unacceptable at Wayland Middle School. We always work to hold those who use the N-Word accountable (as our handbook states use of racial slurs result in suspension) and to heal the hurt with those involved.
The teacher of the class where this occurred denounced what happened in the moment with students and reached out to families, but it feels necessary to think about the impact this damaging act has on our whole school community. News of racial slurs travels quickly and hurts all of us, but let us not forget that the “N-word” targets Black people, adults and students alike.
It is important for you to know that throughout this country’s history, the N-word has been associated with extreme violence against African Americans. I am referring to murder, lynchings, mob violence, and beatings. So when someone says the “N-Word,” it’s worse than a swear word. It’s a word that is meant to make Black and Brown people feel “less than.” When someone says the “N-word,” they are knowingly or unknowingly committing an act of racism.
In past years when students of color have heard or seen the N-word used by WMS peers, our students of color have reported feeling afraid because at any moment they could face violence because of the color of their skin.Let’s pause and think about that for a moment. Imagine feeling physically or emotionally unsafe at our school.
I know it can be confusing because you may see and hear the N-Word in song lyrics, social media and pop culture. We can forget or be unaware of its power to harm. The damage is very real, however. It remains our expectation that this word not be used by any person in our school community - and know that your online world is an extension of our community, because it impacts experiences in school and our sense of safety.
Let’s make a commitment to be caring and compassionate, first by being informed and sensitive about the language we use. Words matter. Then, challenge yourself to take a stand for nonviolence, kindness and the betterment of our community. Ask yourself: “What could I do today to make a difference?” One thing you can do is to speak up if you hear a friend or classmate use the N-Word. It is not okay. And always, remember to think before you engage online. Ask yourself do my actions and posts follow LARK? Are they Legal, Appropriate, Responsible and Kind?
If you have any further questions please see Ms. Gavron, Mr. Benzie, Ms. Hood, Dr. Laing, Ms. Han, Dr. Parker, Dr. Silva, Ms. Bernstein, or any trusted adult. Thank you."
Ms. Gavron
Name
What did you take away from Ms Gavron’s message?
What does this incident make you think or feel?
Do you have any questions/suggestions?
Let us know if you want a counselor to reach out
