Dear ICS Family,
As a family of schools, as a community, and as a country, we are currently facing a time of shared outrage, uncertainty, pain, and responsibility.
As a family of charter schools founded on the power of integration, we cannot be silent. As students, families, as a community and as humans, we grieve with George Floyd’s family, share concern for the turmoil our country is facing, and are managing our own powerful emotions as we stand together with our Black students, families, colleagues and partners to fight racial injustice and inequality. We too, feel the anger and despair, for one more senseless death, that is a part of a long historical string that so far has remained unbroken.
“Peace on the left, justice on the right.” George Floyd’s brother Terrance said, and we should follow the family’s direction. He warned his brother’s memory was not being served by violence and asked us, “So let’s do this another way,” he said. “Let’s stop thinking that our voice don’t matter and vote…because it’s a lot of us and we still going to do this peacefully.”
These past few months, and now this past week especially, has been a very trying and unprecedented time for our country; for all in our ICS family — some significantly more than others. But we are navigating the storms together. Thank you, for all the work you do every day as ICS families, employees and supporters to continue to be the good. This is a time for social changes in our laws and justice for all in our country.
In our own organization we will continue, and become even better at recognizing opportunities for inclusivity and equality-based education, initiating challenging and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue, and working to actively protect those who are most vulnerable. As individuals, we must also recognize and understand our part and the role we play in systemic and ingrained racism and privilege. Instead of being bystanders, we vow to be partners, leaders and mentors for our next generation, holding steadfast to our belief of inclusivity and integration — a beacon of the good that can come, from coming together.
President and Board of Trustees
Integration Charter Schools