Letter to the Editor: Colorblindness Isn't Progress

Mr. McKay,

Congratulations to you, your reporter and your newspaper for the coverage you have provided of .  The fact  "book banning" is being discussed in 2012 is definitely news that people need to hear!  

The other story from last night's meeting is about race, and racial equity and disparity in the Plymouth-Canton School District.  I addressed the board, reminded them about the Educational Equity and Excellence Transformation Framework that was presented to the district in June of 2011.  

As of this date, that important work has yet to reach the hands of building leaders. Additionally, the school board has yet to adopt a racial equity policy for the district.  Lack of action on both of these issues send a clear message to students and families of color, "universal colorblindness" is how district leadership prefers to lead.  Those who adhere to "colorblindness" feel it is the proper response to racial inequity.  

Alarmingly, "colorblindness" is often the cause of deep, systemic racism, including institutional racism.  I would welcome the opportunity to visit with you about the urgent topic of race and racial equity in the Plymouth-Canton School District at your convenience.  

I recently retired from the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools after 37 years.  I was a teacher, assistant principal and the principal of two elementary schools, one of which I opened in 1994, Tonda School.  My last four years in the district I served as the Director of Elementary Education. 

George Belvitch