“As the parent of two Black students of the Public Schools of Brookline — one graduated and one current — we need to state what’s usually the quiet part: our students encounter quite a segregated experience in PSB. The intricacies of schedules contribute to this. The vastly different levels of preparedness for challenging work because of costly outside academic enrichment contributes to this. Social isolation in our schools contributes to this. And none of these contributing factors, as well as numerous others, will be made any easier to surmount by deciding to remove funding and commitment to the Office of Educational Equity.”

 

 

“I am writing to you as a former parent of five children who attended Brookline Public Schools—children who, like many others, experienced inequities throughout their time as students. Brookline has a long history of inequitable treatment toward students, teachers, and administrators of color. Dismantling this office would only perpetuate that pattern and align Brookline with the broader, dangerous national movement—led by Trump and his allies—to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public education.”

 

 

“I am a parent volunteer at Lincoln school, where the Lincoln Initiative for Equity is working hard to bring equity principles to life in our school, such as the recently-held and very successful “Culturefest”. These make a difference, but we need more district-wide support, training and resources.”

 

 

“In a country that is increasingly sending a message that students of color, LGBTQ students, immigrant students, and students with disabilities are not valued and do not have a place in our society, Brookline must not only speak its values, it must also fund its values.”

 

 

“As a Brookline resident of color, who has a child attending a Brookline school, I have found it comforting and reassuring to know that the Office of Educational Equity is available for me to bring my concerns to and someone will be available to advocate for my family if we were to ever be in a time of need or distress as it pertains to educational equity.”

 

 

“Now more than ever, people – especially young students – need to know they are supported, protected, valued, respected and safe. The dismantling of this office will create division, distrust and danger for Brookline students and their families.”

 

 

“At this time of governmental racist attacks on DEI, I would hope that Brookline would stand strong in its commitment to racial justice and educational equity. Even on a symbolic level (if not the moral level of doing lasting harm to our most vulnerable students, families, and educators), this is not a time to take stands that look like they support the horrific federal backlash that we are witnessing against any and all racial equity progress this country, and Brookline, have made.”

 

 

“I write to urge you to preserve the Office of Educational Equity and with it, Brookline’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These are some of our Town’s and school district’s most foundational stated values: we celebrate our diversity, we include everyone and work to ensure equity across Town programs and services. The OEE is a testament to our values and ensures we continue to work hard to stay true to these principles.”

 

 

“Eliminating the Office of Educational Equity and its programs will do deep and lasting damage to our most vulnerable students, families, and educators.”

 

 

“I have been part of RJ efforts in the town since I was a freshman in high school and it is horrifying to think that Brookline would take a step back from what has been a steadfast (and yes, messy and complicated like all work for justice) commitment to racial and social justice and all of the intersectionalities. To cut critical staff members (both BIPOC identified folks) and diminish any of this work at this point would send a horrible message to our young people and all those who experience marginalization of some kind…meaning most of us.”

 

 

“I understand that there are some tough decisions that need to be made soon. I am begging you to keep your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just because it’s the right thing to do and protects those most vulnerable, but also because breaking your commitment is following the attacks on DEI around the country. This compliance undermines the resistance efforts of our state.”

 

“We are waking up to a dangerous political time for the nation and facing a local budget crisis. Both of these threaten our schools, kids, teachers and the entire community. Although there is no easy way forward, I hope that as a community we can move forward led by our values, protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. If some don’t feel safe, no one will. Please protect the Office of Educational Equity now when it is most needed.”