Dear Secretary of Education,
I am reaching out to you with a pressing concern that weighs heavily on my heart. In the wake of recent events, our children—particularly those from Latino, African-American, Asian, and Muslim backgrounds—are facing increasing incidents of violence and racial hostility. Reports of chants like “build the wall,” the use of derogatory slurs, and the tearing off of hijabs have become distressingly common. Young girls are even subjected to unwanted advances.
I urge you to take immediate action by mandating that all schools implement a clear zero-tolerance policy towards any form of prejudice, bullying, or violence. Encourage educators to organize assemblies that focus on fostering an environment of respect and inclusion. It’s vital to equip students with the necessary skills to confront and manage any acts of aggression they may encounter. Communication with families about these issues should be prioritized, and parent meetings should be held to promote discussions around safety and acceptance.
As a mother of biracial children who has experienced racial discrimination firsthand during my own education, I cannot remain passive while waiting for incidents to be addressed individually. We must take a broad and proactive approach to instill a culture of tolerance and safety within our schools to prevent further violence. While I recognize that we cannot eliminate all issues, we must act decisively.
Schools should serve as safe havens for all children, where they can express their individuality and be celebrated for their diverse backgrounds. It is unjust to expect them to cope with hatred or violence; they are not emotionally equipped for such challenges.
The safety of our youth is too important to ignore, and we cannot allow this situation to persist. I have already reached out to school principals and the district superintendent, and I plan to share my concerns with other parents. Each passing day poses a risk to more children, and we do not have the luxury of time.
I implore you to take action now.
Warm regards,
Lena Foster