The recent incidents of violence against Black Americans highlight the systemic bias and institutional racism in our society that has senselessly and atrociously devastated so many Black lives throughout our country’s history. As school board members we are committed to actively interrupting systemic racism and eliminating inequities in our education system and therefore are compelled to speak out.

Our community’s and nation’s future requires that this systemic bias and institutional racism be dismantled, to promote equity, and ensure ALL children and families are able to thrive;

Education is a key lever for creating this more equitable and anti-racist community, nation, and world. This will be a collaborative partnership with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders;

In moving from planning to action, our district is committed to drawing on the perspective and feedback from the collection of diverse voices in our community. As a school board and district, we value each and every student, family, and staff member and are committed to creating an equitable and an anti-racist system that honors and elevates all.

The Columbia Borough School District Board of School Directors stands in solidarity with the Black community in our schools, district, and nation to condemn this violence. We see it, we hear it, and we are committed to changing the system.

The Columbia Borough School District Board of School Directors commits to its own work as individuals and our collective work overseeing the district in continuing to become equitable and anti-racist in behaviors, actions, and policies; and commits to working with our local governmental agencies to strengthen the collective work of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.

The Columbia Borough School District Board of School Directors commits to holding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of this work.