Manasquan Schools: Community Unified In Condemnation Of Racism

MANASQUAN – Superintendent Frank Kasyan called for unity in the community this week, saying the district must be unified in "our condemnation of discrimination and violence and be resolute in our pursuit of equality."

"The Manasquan Public School District recognizes that these past months have been tumultuous and trying for our school community," he said in a letter to the community. "Our schools, like the rest of the country, is witness to a period of unprecedented health concerns and more recently civil unrest.

"It is our mission to ensure our students feel safe and supported as they work through the complicated emotions that they may be experiencing."

Kasyan also told the district that psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other staff are available and, if any student feels they would benefit by speaking with one of these professionals, they should reach out to support@manasquan.k12.nj.us.

Kasyan also said beliefs and values that emphasize kindness, honesty, civility and respect for each other will help the community navigate this crisis.

"First and foremost, I am an educational leader. My charge is to prepare students to reach their potential regardless of skin color, background and circumstance," he said. "Equity can only be achieved by educating our students to see past color, and to see all people through the lens of kindness and consideration."

"I, as an American, express pain and indignation during this time of social injustice and disavow all acts of hatred and racism."

The intent of this message is not to be political in any way, Kasyan said.

"It is simply to reiterate the mission of the Manasquan Public School District through my eyes, which is to educate the students of Manasquan to understand that we all have biases and we should work diligently to rise above them," he said. "As an educator it is my role to provide students with the curriculum necessary to accomplish this. I will continue to work tirelessly to see that this goal is achieved."