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March 17, 2021

EdEquityVA Special Message

The Office of Equity and Community Engagement joins Superintendent James Lane in condemning the anti-Asian rhetoric and violence that resulted in the killings of 8 people in Georgia yesterday. This senseless loss of life further necessitates a commitment to anti-racism and inclusive education practices. We remain committed to upholding the principles of anti-racism and elevating resources that cultivate school environments in which all students feel safe, welcomed, and affirmed. During these emotionally troubling times, it is especially important for educators and leaders to address the social emotional needs of students that manifest due to ongoing racial trauma. Our office has compiled a list resources meant to support practitioners in their efforts. To access them, please scroll to the bottom of the page. 

A Note From the State Superintendent 

Dr. James Lane

Dear EdEquityVA Community-

Over the past several months there has been a rise in anti-Asian hate and violence, much of which can be connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shootings that occured in Georgia on March 16, 2021 that resulted in the tragic and untimely deaths of eight people, including six Asian women are the latest in a string of attacks targeting Asian communities. Like many of you, I am heartbroken by this tragedy and offer my sincerest condolences to the victims and their families. We all must join together in condemning these acts of senseless violence; but more importantly, we must commit time and resources to uplifting the students and communities most impacted. 

Many Asian-American communities, their friends, and allies are reeling by these tragic events. Educators and leaders are encouraged to acknowledge the pain and trauma caused to students as a result of the recent hate crime in Georgia and ongoing racist attacks. Schools are a microcosm of our larger society and it is crucial that we consider how such events impact teaching, learning, and student experience. Further, educators and leaders must stand prepared to address the ways in which continued racial and xhenophobic attacks against Asian communities might pour into our schools and classrooms. It is necessary for practitioners to leverage resources that support anti-racism in schools, as well as students' social-emotional needs. Now more than ever, it is critical that we create and maintain school environments that are affirming, validating, and respectful of who our students are and where they come from. 

When we say that Virginia is for Learners, we mean ALL learners, thus it is our responsibility as educators and education leaders to speak up and against anti-Asian discourse and xenophobia, as well as support students through these difficult times. The Virginia Department of Education stands committed to upholding the dignity of all students and reaffirms our commitment to education equity and inclusive practice. It is my hope that we will continue these critical conversations about race beyond this moment. 

Resources 

The following text is adapted from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Traumatic events that occur as a result of witnessing or experiencing racism, discrimination, or structural prejudice (also known as institutional racism) can have a profound impact on the mental health of students exposed to these events. Racial trauma, also known as race-based traumatic stress, refers to the stressful impact or emotional pain of one’s experience with racism and discrimination (Carter, 2007).

Strategies for addressing racial trauma should center on affirming and validating individuals experiencing traumatic stress reactions (Comas-Diaz, 2016). This is most effective when clearly identifying racism as a contributor to distress and supporting student’s constructive expression of feelings and healthy self-development (Hardy, 2013).

The following resources are meant to support stakeholders in their efforts to condemn anti-Asian racism and address racial trauma: 

• Speaking Up Against Racism Around the New Coronavirus (Teaching Tolerance)
• Student Perspective: Coronavirus Racism Infected My High School (The New York Times)
• Coronavirus: Countering Biased Responses (Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility)
• Speak Up! Responding to Everyday Bigotry: How to Speak Out Against Xenophobia and Racism in a Range of Settings (Learning for Justice)
• “Show Up: Your Guide to Bystander Intervention” (Hollaback!)
• Talking to Students about Racialized Violence (Harvard)

Additionally, you may find the anti-racism resources included in our June 2020 Newsletter useful. 

Stay Connected

To contact the Office of Equity and Community Engagement at the Virginia Department of Education, email EdEquityVA@doe.virginia.gov. 

To stay updated, check out the Virginia is for Learners website at http://www.virginiaisforlearners.virginia.gov/edquityva-initiatives/#. 

Follow VDOE on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter @VDOE_News & @VAis4Learners. Search #EdEquityVA for the latest from the field!

Tell your colleagues to subscribe to the #EdEquityVA Newsletter.