SMF DEI In The News:
February 28. 2021: Akron Beacon Journal Article
February 28, 2021: Stow Sentry Article
DEI Statement on Violence against AAPI
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District stands in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander students and families in speaking out against racially motivated violence and discrimination. We understand that this violence is rooted in both historical mistreatment and current misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. Supporting these students and families requires a commitment to educating ourselves and others, speaking out against xenophobia and racism, and standing up against bullying, harassment, and violence in all forms.
We support our AAPI students and families, and the diverse community in Stow and Munroe Falls, and commit to continuing our work toward equity and inclusion for all.
Resources:
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Countering Coronavirus Stigma and Racism: Tips for Teachers and Other Educators https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/countering-coronavirus-stigma-and-racism-tips-for-teachers-and-other-educators
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Countering Coronavirus Stigma and Racism: Tips for Parents and Caregivers, http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/countering-covid-19-(coronavirus)-stigma-and-racism-tips-for-parents-and-caregivers
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The long history of US racism against Asian Americans, from ‘yellow peril’ to ‘model minority’ to the ‘Chinese virus’ https://theconversation.com/the-long-history-of-us-racism-against-asian-americans-from-yellow-peril-to-model-minority-to-the-chinese-virus-135793
SMF Board of Education Statement
June 2020
Below is a statement from the SMF Board of Education in support of the work that DEI is doing in our district!
"The mission of the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District is to “Provide Inspiration to Make a Difference in the World.” This cannot be accomplished if our students or staff feel unwelcome, uninvited, or unimportant. As a predominantly white school district, we have not been sufficiently mindful of the racial discrimination – both intentional and unintentional – that our non-white students and staff face on a daily basis. We further recognize that our past efforts, however well intentioned, have not done enough to promote an inclusive and anti-discriminatory culture within the SMFCSD community. We must improve, and the first step is to acknowledge that racism exists here in Stow-Munroe Falls and affirm that Black lives matter.
While we have policies in place to discourage and denounce racism in our schools, words without action are meaningless. On Friday, June 5 th , our district held a “listening luncheon” where several Black community members were invited to share their experiences. Based on what we heard, we have launched a focused effort led by our K-6 curriculum director, Iisha Collier. She will chair the committee as the designee of our superintendent, and will be assisted by volunteer co-vice chairs, Riverview Elementary principal Traci Kosmach, and Athletic Director Cyle Feldman. This public-facing endeavor will include a committee on racism and inclusivity with the purpose of establishing a vision, defining goals, and developing action steps to promote equity in our schools. This is a priority for our district. We are committed to protecting our staff, our students and our families from discrimination, and producing real change for them."
Tom Bratten, Superintendent
Iisha Collier, Chair
Traci Kosmach and Cyle Feldman, Volunteer Co-Vice Chairs
Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education