This article is about a Lakota (Liberty Township, Ohio) school principal and his response to charges that he did not respond appropriately to racist incidents. After he heard from the parent, the principal responded by writing a letter to the parents of the student and a letter to the parents in the school district.

Something he said in the second letter brought up an issue I’ve wondered about before:

An incident between second grade students raised the question about whether I as a principal and the school as a whole take issues of racism seriously enough in the way we deal with students and discipline for such incidents. I appreciate the courage of the parent who confronted me on this issue, and I am deeply embarrassed to admit that I don’t know enough about racism and how to eradicate it from our school.

Why isn’t curriculum addressing racism mandatory for educators? Why are so many important issues not covered–or even mentioned–when student teachers and administrators are being educated? Some years back I found out that the teacher certification program here required just one class in “cultural diversity.” That class did not need to be about teaching. It could be any college-level class about a racial “other.”

But why are some educators able to recognize that they have shortcomings? Often I find that educators, like everybody else, think they know everything about what is and is not racist without any training whatsoever.

The principal’s letter to the parents of the student and the letter to the parents in the school district follow. Notice that there are no excuses being made with regard to “intent.” No ducking of responsibility. No suggestions of oversensitivity or people “playing the race card.”

Additionally, the incidents are being addressed with specific actions. I was so shocked by this response that I was forced to wonder why I had not anticipated this reaction. What does that say about previous dealings with white people?  (Okay, if I’m going to nitpick, I’d jump on the part about his opportunities to interact with people of color being “limited” and also a lack of directness about why racism affects white people. But all in all, I was really surprised.) It’s enough to give a person of color hope for the white race.

March 30, 2007

Dear Mr. Jackson and Ms. Scott,

I write you this letter with a heavy heart. I am deeply sorry for the problems that (named removed) has encountered this year at Independence, and I take full responsibility for them.

At no time should any student be harassed, humiliated, or made to feel ashamed of their heritage, race, or disability. The comments made to (name removed) on the playground regarding his race, the behaviors shown to him on the bus, and the actions against him at school were unacceptable. I initially felt that the discipline handed out to the students in these cases was appropriate, but now I see that it was not.

Per your suggestion, Mrs. Beymer and I have revisited the Independence Discipline Policy to make sure that it is in line with the Lakota Board of Education policy. After speaking to the mother of the student involved in the most recent incident, I have increased the student’s consequences to a level that fit his actions. I can assure you that similar actions to any Independence student will have similar consequences.

Personally, Ralph’s (Jackson) suggestion to place my own daughters into a similar circumstance allowed me the opportunity to really reflect on my personal beliefs and attitudes toward race and race relations, and I am embarrassed.

As I shared with you, my opportunities to work, befriend, and worship with people of color have been limited, but that is not an excuse for my blatant ignorance. Two years ago, Roland West of Roland West & Associates worked with a number of my staff, parents, and me. He spoke of the benign prejudices of educators and the effect of their actions toward students.

Our group expanded to include members of the VanGorden Elementary School community as we worked together to ensure that all families and students in our schools would be treated with respect and honor. As the year progressed, our membership declined until the group ceased to meet, but it is very apparent that the Independence Diversity Team must be reborn.

In addition to reviving that committee, I am committed to:

• Identifying a cultural affairs mentor for myself.

• Publishing information in our newsletters regarding Lakota’s Zero Tolerance policy toward racism.

• Instituting and enforcing tougher discipline policies on harassment, racism, and discrimination.

• Reviewing the updated discipline policies and making additional corrections.

• Following Liberty Elementary School’s Diversity Committee plan at Independence.

• Continuing my own education on race relations, and

• Expanding my role with Lord of Life Lutheran’s outreach ministry to 1st Lutheran in Over-the-Rhine.

Again, I do want to apologize for the problems that (name removed) has faced, and I hope that you would be willing to sit down with me and help find solutions to the problems for him and all Independence students and staff.

Sincerely,

Greg Finke

Letter to the parents in the school district:

Dear Indy Parents;

Last week an issue arose here at Independence that can provide a lesson-both for me personally, and for the entire school.

An incident between second grade students raised the question about whether I as a principal and the school as a whole take issues of racism seriously enough in the way we deal with students and discipline for such incidents. I appreciate the courage of the parent who confronted me on this issue, and I am deeply embarrassed to admit that I don’t know enough about racism and how to eradicate it from our school.

Because of that, I have work to do in order to grow personally and to make Indy a leader in interpersonal relationships and respect for all.

In the coming weeks, we will be reviewing policy and procedures regarding all aspects of student and staff behavior, staff professional development, and aspects of improving the overall culture at Indy so that all members of the Independence family are valued.

We will also take steps with students and parents. For example, I hope that you will join me in making the Independence Diversity Team an important part of school life, and will work together with your children and your children’s teachers to ensure that Indy students are always safe, comfortable, and respected.

I take my position of role model for your children very seriously, and am committed to being a strong role model for good relationships among all children here at Independence.

As you know, incidents of this sort are typically reported in the news media. I wanted you to know what is happening, and I encourage you to call me if you have any questions.

Greg Finke