Statement from Supt. Bills about Recent Social Media Post
The District became aware of a recently posted picture on social media on Wednesday afternoon. It was very similar to one posted in February of this year. An investigation began immediately. Our goal is to conduct a thorough investigation to hold any involved party responsible. Click here to read the rest of the statement.
Statement from the DEI Action Council Posted on March 19, 2021
Any acts of anti-Asian racism violate our commitment to learning environments that are free from discrimination and have no place in a school or community. We are unwavering in our responsibility to create, support and ensure safe spaces for all members of our community, especially our Asian friends, students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
We find ourselves in challenging times for many reasons. The fabric of our society has been altered in ways that we could have never imagined. The COVID-19 crisis, coupled with the long overdue social and racial reckoning our society is facing, has impacted all of us in profound and challenging ways. The separation between educators, students, families, and school environments has been nothing short of devastating. The scramble to adapt has been exhausting, and, at times, seemingly insurmountable. However, there is a beauty in the way our creativity has risen to this terrible, challenging, and oftentimes isolating occasion. Compassion, empathy, and clear communication must be at the forefront of our decision making and action steps as a school district and community.
As you may have read in the Superintendent’s Message from February 26, there is an opportunity for all members of our community to come together as members of the West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. We recognize that we need to listen to the voices, experiences, and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds in order to advance our mission and help all members of our community achieve success.
If you are interested in joining our West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, please read the mission statement below:
The West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council embraces and honors each individual and the diversity of our collective community. We believe we all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our community members about injustice and discrimination in all its forms.
The West Genesee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is committed to empowering all members of our community to have a say in our future as we work collectively to discover the richness and complexity of the cultural world we inhabit. We actively seek to understand the differences that make us stronger and to lean into topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This pursuit and belief prepares our students to be contributing members of a diverse world.
This council is open to all members of our community. Please fill out this Google form and a member of our team will contact you directly.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our co-chairs:
Kathryn Ta, Stonehedge Elementary School Music, KTa@westgenesee.org
Keith Newvine, West Genesee High School English, KNewvine@westgenesee.org
Steve Dunham, West Genesee Middle School Principal, SDunham@westgenesee.org
Gigina Long, West Genesee High School Art, GYLong@westgenesee.org