GTAC4NC

Full Statement

Our children deserve a future that includes and celebrates them. Working together, we can make that happen. #GTAC4NC

June 5, 2020 Dear members of the education community, We cannot be silent. As members of the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee (GTAC), we see every day how the inequities of racism impact the lives of our students and families.

And we encourage our families and communities to partner with educators and the many organizations who are doing the work to dismantle these systems of oppression.

We compel the administrators in our districts to face issues of racism and privilege head-on and to create environments where black students and black staff members feel respected, feel valued, and thrive.

We pledge as the GTAC to continue to work with Governor Cooper and the State Board of Education to continue to support and uplift a true, fair, and equitable system of education that support students, families, and our communities.

As educators we cannot let the roots remain.

The racism and violence that is perpetuated upon black people is clear and evident. It defiantly marches its way through the doors of our schools and plants itself firmly in the foundations of the classrooms and offices.

It does not have to be and should not be this way. We cannot let this continue.

We have seen how the influx of resource officers in our schools have contributed to the over policing of black students and have contributed to the feelings of powerlessness and increased trauma that our students carry with them every day.

And we know that these instances are significantly and overwhelmingly perpetuated not only through direct interaction between an educator and a student, but through the policies that are embedded in the institution of education.

We are also painfully aware that it is often the school building where black students and other students of color are first met with instances of hate and bigotry.

As educators, we are acutely aware that we are often the first group of people a student will reach out to when they experience trauma stemming from racism and white supremacy, be it in the school-house or in the broader community.

As our students are ending their school year with their families, they unfortunately are bearing witness to these tragedies that are on full display in our state and nation.

We thank Governor Cooper for his clear statements on the need to dismantle white supremacy and for the expression of his continued commitment to affirm black lives through policy and practice.

We call out and lift up the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the countless others who have been victims of senseless violence and vehemently decry any practice stemming from racial hatred and bigotry.

We thank Governor Cooper for his clear statements on the need to dismantle white supremacy and for the expression of his continued commitment to affirm black lives through policy and practice.

(3/3) Your GTAC believes that based on the independently released LeAndro report NC is not meeting the needs of its students. Click on the link to read Judge Lee's report. wral.com/editorial-with…

(2/3) “The state does not currently provide adequate resources to ensure all students have the opportunity to obtain a sound basic education as well as meet higher standards and become college and career ready." #GTAC4NC

(1/3) Superior Court Judge David Lee recently ruled that "the funding for education has not kept pace with the growth and needs of the pre K-12 student body.” #GTAC4NC