Anti-Racism Resolution

Alki Elementary PTA Anti-Racism Resolution, adopted June 25, 2020

The Alki Elementary PTA is a group of parents and educators, and we have been called to action.  Resolutions and policies are the way that PTA can answer that call.  Our neutrality is not enough, we need to be anti-racist, and use our power in ways that will end systemic racism. We are committed to valuing and protecting the lives of our Black and Brown children and all children furthest from educational justice.
Whereas “the most fundamental right is the right to live” (1) and that right is being denied to Black people across this country and in Seattle;
whereas systemic racism is embedded in every aspect of this country, including public schools;
whereas systemic racism in our school system is a major factor in the opportunity gap between Black and white students;
whereas the advantages of our school system are a collection of privileges built on the land and labor of Black and Brown people;
whereas Black Lives Matter;
whereas we must choose whether to be a racist or anti-racist organization as there is no neutral space;
whereas PTA moves toward “every child. One voice,” but the voices and needs of Black and Brown children continue to be left out and unheard;
Resolved, that Alki Elementary PTA commits to being an anti-racist organization.
We will do this by
Educating our PTA members on issues related to anti-racism through hosting parent education events, learning from Black leaders in our community and beyond, providing anti-racism books and resources for families, and by educating our Board Members in anti-racist practices, all of which will help our community “turn toward our own biases, our own blindspots, our own racism, and actively work to dismantle them” (2)
Actively working to welcome and center the voices of our families furthest from educational justice by engaging with families on a consistent basis and by providing a safe space for dialogue and community.
Actively working to make all our meetings and events inclusive and welcoming to families furthest from educational justice
Actively working to bring voices of our families furthest from educational justice into the leadership of our organization
Actively working to listen to our Black and Brown families, educate ourselves on issues our community faces, and evolve our PTA’s anti-racist actions to meet the most pressing needs.
Actively working with our school, Seattle Public Schools, the City of Seattle, and the State of Washington to promote equitable funding models.
Actively working with our school, Seattle Public Schools, the City of Seattle, and the State of Washington to support Staff-led equity engagements.
Actively working with our school, Seattle Public Schools, the City of Seattle, and the State of Washington to advocate for ongoing professional development for anti-racism work in educational opportunity and discipline and other exclusionary practices.

 

Based on the Bryant Elementary School Resolution on Anti-Racism, http://www.bryantschool.org/news/passed-bryant-ptsa-resolution-on-anti-racism/
(1) Ibram X. Kendi, https://twitter.com/DrIbram/status/1266789744324882434
(2) University of Washington School of Drama Anti-Racist Action Plan, https://drama.washington.edu/uw-school-drama-leadership-anti-racist-action-plan