Once again the Amherst-area schools are immersed in a racial controversy. And if reports from so-called “minority” parents (recognizing that so-called “white” people are the real minority on this planet) are to be believed, these incidents of racial insensitivity are not exceptions, but the norm.
And once again, the primarily “white” school administrators and school committee members appear to have a lack of understanding when it comes to an awareness of what is going on and how to deal with it.
We, the undersigned, are “white” people of many years’ standing in the area. We are people who value diversity and have worked for decades on issues related to institutional racism and equal access. Our children have, in years past, been in our schools. Some of us have taught in these schools. We ache when those who provide leadership in our schools do not seem to have adequate ability to deal appropriately with issues of racism.
We would like to suggest that the time has come for our school administrators and committee members to hire some competent consultants in racism education, come to understand more deeply the patterns of racial misunderstanding that scar our history and seek to address the challenges of racism with greater sensitivity and humility.
Tom and Joan Lindeman
Charlie and CaroleAnn Camp
Amherst