Mississippi School Boards Association Statement on Racial Injustice
June 5, 2020
The Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) is saddened by the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others who have lost their lives due to the common thread of racial injustice.
I draw from a quote that describes the job of the news is “to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” Watching in horror the atrocities perpetuated on Black Americans over the last few years, I have truly been afflicted. The actions and resulting unrest weigh heavily on my heart.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we acknowledge the pain and suffering of members of the Black American community, we assert there is no place for racism and hatred in our society. The opportunity and responsibility to promote positive change is now.
As leaders in your local school districts, your communities may look to you during this time of crisis to provide a safe, caring environment to discuss race and inequities as they relate to the most precious resource of society — our children.
To that end, MSBA will work with you to seek meaningful solutions that will help eliminate racism and social injustice. We remain committed to equipping school boards with the tools they need to provide students of all backgrounds and abilities with a high-quality education.
As always, MSBA is here for you. Please let us know how MSBA can support you and your district.
— Dr. Michael Waldrop, MSBA Executive Director