Colleagues,
Like many of you, we have felt a wide range of emotions as the nation has learned more about the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. We feel compelled to write to you now that fear, anger, and frustration are manifesting across the country in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Nashville, and here in California.
WACAC members come from every racial and ethnic background, all tiers of the socio-economic spectrum, represent the entire range of gender and sexual identities, and span in age from recent college graduates to retirees. While we cannot expect to agree on every aspect of this emotionally charged issue, we can agree that black lives matter.
As educators and admission professionals, we must continue to learn about this issue with every resource available to us. And we understand that a statement cannot resonate without action. Each of us will decide our own course of action, and we encourage you to do something today to further the cause of equality and justice.
READ
- Resources on talking to young kids about race and racism
- The 1619 Project (all the articles) | The New York Times Magazine
- “Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi | Atlantic (May 12, 2020)
LISTEN (Podcasts to subscribe to)
WATCH
- 13th Film (2 hours)
- When They See Us (Four episodes)
DONATE
FOLLOW
- Groups and people doing anti-racist work, such as @colorofchange @weinspirejustice @showingupforracialjustice
We also encourage you to reach out to your fellow WACAC members from backgrounds, experiences, and places different than your own. Watch out for each other, support one another, and practice your own self-care. And let us know if there are ways we can support you and your students during this difficult time.
In Solidarity,
Phil Moreno (he/him/his), President
Breanne Boyle (she/her/hers), President-Elect
Lauren Cook (she/her/hers), Past-President
wacacpresident@wacac.org