SWS - You are only invited if you’re Black

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question - do you have the same gut emotional reaction if you replace Black with LGBTQ+ for the same email?

i.e., if it read:

...we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as LGBTQ+ to the upcoming LGBTQ+ Family Social.


This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as LGBTQ+. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising LGBTQ+ children.

DP. But yes I would. I would be fine if it was parents organizing but not a school funded initiative

Are you not ok with school groups for students who identify as a particular culture, religion, LGBTQ+, school groups for girls only then? Or which groups are you ok with and which ones not?

I actually am not ok with any school groups based on gender, race or sexuality with school funds. I don’t agree with girls on the run and don’t think it should be affiliated with schools. I think DCPS has so many academic deficiencies that all of the bandwidth should be used for that. Parent organized with their own money and not using any school funds? Great have at it.

I think if they are using HSA funds those projects they need to be very clear in fundraising emails so that parents can make informed choices about whether to donate their money.

....ok then you are opposed to all public schools with separate sports for gender? Boys soccer team vs girls soccer team?

Of note, the SWS committees are parent run, probably any funding provided by parent led fundraising group that is affiliated with the school (but separate funding then school public tax dollars, I think)

Correct. I am against all public schools with sports separated by gender. J-R crew team? Perfect example of how sports should be run in public schools.

SWS should be clear who is funding this. Like I said, if it’s the HSA/PTA they need to be completely upfront about where the money they raise is doing so that parents can make an informed decision about donating money.

You’re against sports separated by sex (I’m not going to say gender because that word is too fraught - we all know the separation is biology based anyway). You really want males and females competing against each other in the same sport? You don’t care about male biological advantages?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question - do you have the same gut emotional reaction if you replace Black with LGBTQ+ for the same email?

i.e., if it read:

...we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as LGBTQ+ to the upcoming LGBTQ+ Family Social.


This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as LGBTQ+. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising LGBTQ+ children.

DP. But yes I would. I would be fine if it was parents organizing but not a school funded initiative

Are you not ok with school groups for students who identify as a particular culture, religion, LGBTQ+, school groups for girls only then? Or which groups are you ok with and which ones not?

I actually am not ok with any school groups based on gender, race or sexuality with school funds. I don’t agree with girls on the run and don’t think it should be affiliated with schools. I think DCPS has so many academic deficiencies that all of the bandwidth should be used for that. Parent organized with their own money and not using any school funds? Great have at it.

I think if they are using HSA funds those projects they need to be very clear in fundraising emails so that parents can make informed choices about whether to donate their money.

....ok then you are opposed to all public schools with separate sports for gender? Boys soccer team vs girls soccer team?

Of note, the SWS committees are parent run, probably any funding provided by parent led fundraising group that is affiliated with the school (but separate funding then school public tax dollars, I think)

Correct. I am against all public schools with sports separated by gender. J-R crew team? Perfect example of how sports should be run in public schools.

SWS should be clear who is funding this. Like I said, if it’s the HSA/PTA they need to be completely upfront about where the money they raise is doing so that parents can make an informed decision about donating money.

You’re against sports separated by sex (I’m not going to say gender because that word is too fraught - we all know the separation is biology based anyway). You really want males and females competing against each other in the same sport? You don’t care about male biological advantages?

I don’t think schools should be funding anything other than academics. And HSA/PTA funds should be very clear what they are being used for

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So … I get it. Black families have concerns that other races do not face. But the constant drumbeat of only focusing on one race at SWS is so off putting. The latest email from the school:

Dear SWS families,
As a part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity within our school, we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as Black and/or of African descent to the upcoming Black Family Social.

Date: Sunday, October 1
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: Sherwood Playground (behind SWS)

This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as Black and/or of African descent. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising Black children.

The bold appears in the email, in case you thought you might be invited as a white, Asian or Hispanic person. How is this “fostering inclusivity”?

No worries, OP. There is a white affinity group for you at SWS where you and your fellow white people can reflect on your white privilege, anti-blackness, and the perpetuation of systemic racism. Here is the description:

"White Affinity Group: This group will be taking time to unpack our own personal internalization, experiences, and perpetuation of whiteness and racism. Through self-reflection, journaling, and conversation, we will examine topics such as white privilege, allyship, and anti-blackness, in order to explicitly and intentionally increase our critical analysis, practice vulnerability and humility, form relationships of mutual support and challenge, and build our capacity for the ongoing work of anti-racism in our school community and beyond. Contact: ********"

Enjoy!

White affinity group?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So … I get it. Black families have concerns that other races do not face. But the constant drumbeat of only focusing on one race at SWS is so off putting. The latest email from the school:

Dear SWS families,
As a part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity within our school, we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as Black and/or of African descent to the upcoming Black Family Social.

Date: Sunday, October 1
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: Sherwood Playground (behind SWS)

This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as Black and/or of African descent. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising Black children.

The bold appears in the email, in case you thought you might be invited as a white, Asian or Hispanic person. How is this “fostering inclusivity”?

If this email was written exactly the same way but with "White and/or of European descent" would that be ok? Because it shouldn't be wrong for white families to be able to come together and strengthen connections and support among those raising white children.

This pretty much described the PTA years ago. Hopefully it’s changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So … I get it. Black families have concerns that other races do not face. But the constant drumbeat of only focusing on one race at SWS is so off putting. The latest email from the school:

Dear SWS families,
As a part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity within our school, we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as Black and/or of African descent to the upcoming Black Family Social.

Date: Sunday, October 1
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: Sherwood Playground (behind SWS)

This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as Black and/or of African descent. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising Black children.

The bold appears in the email, in case you thought you might be invited as a white, Asian or Hispanic person. How is this “fostering inclusivity”?

If this email was written exactly the same way but with "White and/or of European descent" would that be ok? Because it shouldn't be wrong for white families to be able to come together and strengthen connections and support among those raising white children.

This pretty much described the PTA years ago. Hopefully it’s changed.

Apparently, it hasn’t.

[Anonymous]

Get over it OP. You have plenty of privilege.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So … I get it. Black families have concerns that other races do not face. But the constant drumbeat of only focusing on one race at SWS is so off putting. The latest email from the school:

Dear SWS families,
As a part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee's ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity within our school, we are excited to invite all families of children who identify as Black and/or of African descent to the upcoming Black Family Social.

Date: Sunday, October 1
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: Sherwood Playground (behind SWS)

This special event is designed to celebrate and embrace the rich tapestry of our school community, specifically focusing on families with children who identify as Black and/or of African descent. It's an opportunity to come together and to strengthen connections and support among those of us raising Black children.

The bold appears in the email, in case you thought you might be invited as a white, Asian or Hispanic person. How is this “fostering inclusivity”?

If this email was written exactly the same way but with "White and/or of European descent" would that be ok? Because it shouldn't be wrong for white families to be able to come together and strengthen connections and support among those raising white children.

You know, Clarence, you might be onto something.

It’s a race thing and arguing about gender or disabilities or LGBTQ+ is beside the point.

The question is whether it is appropriate for a school event to exclude children based solely on race.

Absolutely not beside the point.

Do you believe Black families face unique issues and concerns with regard to their child's school experience just as any other (insert specialty group)?

then dont make it about inclusion and equity. and this is why we will never advance and will always be divided.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get over it OP. You have plenty of privilege.

privilege isn't always about race. there are plenty of groups and individuals who have a hard time over things outside of their control.

[Anonymous]

Segregation, who knew you social justice warriors would return us to such a time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get over it OP. You have plenty of privilege.

privilege isn't always about race. there are plenty of groups and individuals who have a hard time over things outside of their control.

Sure and when it's a group for those folks, nobody bats an eye, but if people actually assert that Black people have specific concerns, White people get p*ssed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymo[b wrote:us]It’s legal until someone is willing to sue[/b]

It encourages exclusionary practices and is racisst

Are you outraged by Girls Scouts or the Girls on the Run program?

NP but I am actually continually irritated that my 3 boys cannot participate in girls on the run at our school! They love to run and there is no similar club for boys. It is the sole athletic/ sporty club at our elementary school and only allows female members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Segregation, who knew you social justice warriors would return us to such a time.

You mean like how Black families at SWS have felt through the years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bullets struck a kindergarten classroom window in DC and this is what you're outraged by?

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Segregation, who knew you social justice warriors would return us to such a time.

You mean like how Black families at SWS have felt through the years?

Might as well continue with that theme then, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymo[b wrote:us]It’s legal until someone is willing to sue[/b]

It encourages exclusionary practices and is racisst

Are you outraged by Girls Scouts or the Girls on the Run program?

NP but I am actually continually irritated that my 3 boys cannot participate in girls on the run at our school! They love to run and there is no similar club for boys. It is the sole athletic/ sporty club at our elementary school and only allows female members.

GotR at SWS is led by parents. Why don't you step up and create a running group for your boys and others at your school.