Antiracism in West Bloomfield

Superintendent Dr. Hill sat down to have a candid conversation with Kwame Simmons, a WBSD parent and educator (biography linked here), and the principal of Doherty Elementary School, Scott Long, to discuss the district’s antiracist journey. In this conversation, they also explore the antiracist vision for the district moving forward. The purpose of this dialogue is to better understand the importance of where we are going and how we will work to support the entire community through being an anti-racist district.

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Antiracism Archive

June 2020

June 2020

Like many of you, we’ve been paying close attention to the protests and demonstrations against the systemic and institutional racism in this country. To be clear, the West Bloomfield School District does not tolerate racism or injustice of any kind. We believe in equity, diversity and unity for all.

To our Black families, you are not invisible. We see you, we hear you and we are here for you.

To our Black students, you matter. Your life matters. Your education, health and prosperity matter.

Even though we may be apart, we stand together against the injustices, police brutality and racism facing the black community in this country.

Black Lives Matter and we stand with you during these difficult times.

Together we are Team WB.

The protest, demonstrations and community conversations have left us reflective about some of our district’s blind spots. Moving forward next school year we plan to have rich dialogue and in depth training with members of our school community so all feel included in our educational spaces.

That is why we are asking all of you to join us in our strong opposition to racism and discrimination. Furthermore, we will strengthen race relations and promote equity because we are #WBSTRONG.

Board adopts Antiracism Resolution

The West Bloomfield Board of Education introduced a resolution to support the district’s anti-racism stance during the board’s regular meeting on June 22. The resolution titled “Resolution to Change the System, Eradicate Racism and Create More Equitable and Inclusive Schools for All Children” was carried by a 7-0 vote in support of the resolution.

The Board of Education’s resolution included the following tasks and responsibilities for district administrators moving forward. These tasks include:

Committing to openly talk, challenge and confront racism and inequities through the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Creation of a district “Equity Statement” for Board adoption in order to eliminate the effects of racism and inequities on marginalized students and staff.
Identify policy updates and/or recommend additional policies to end inequity and injustices within the school district.
Explore integrating additional content and resources that are racially and culturally relevant, into curriculum, classrooms and within all school buildings.
Commitment to creating real partnerships with families and communities to help students achieve their full potential and succeed.
Increase diversity in high achieving classes and programs.
Recognize and honor Indigenous Peoples contributions and the impact that history has had on their heritage within the curriculum.
Implement bias awareness and antiracist training districtwide and create learning spaces that encourage open discussions around race and racism.
Require that all reports of discriminatory language, attitudes, behaviors, and action are responded to following the district Code of Conduct and Policies, and commit to educating students and staff, through restorative practices, on the impact of their actions and seeing to their full understanding of the harm they have committed.
Recognize the importance that students of all ages are able to talk about bias, race and the impacts of racism, and commit to implement anti-racist programs beginning at elementary school.
Increase the diversity of staff district wide.

The complete resolution can be found at www.wbsd.org/boe.

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Antiracism in West Bloomfield

Antiracism Archive

June 2020

Board adopts Antiracism Resolution

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