Lower Merion School District: Letter From Dr. Mumin Regarding Hate Speech In Schools

Press release from Lower Merion School District:

March 1, 2022

Dear LMSD Community,

The Lower Merion School District is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students and employees. The goal of District Policy 246 is to ensure that no one in our community is a victim of discriminatory harassment, bullying or hazing. Discriminatory harassment includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, bullying, hazing or other verbal, written, electronic, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual's race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or religion.

In recent weeks, incidents in our schools have been reported of students using language that constitutes discriminatory harassment, including various kinds of hate speech. Such language will not be tolerated. The reported incidents are being investigated and appropriate discipline will occur. Anyone who has been a victim of discriminatory harassment, bullying or hazing is urged to report the incidents to building-level administrators or submit a report via the District's Reporting Form.

The District cannot put an end to these incidents on its own. Parents and guardians are asked to speak with their children about the importance of respecting others, both in their actions and their language. Some resources for discussing these issues with your students are available here:

Teaching Tolerance- A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center

Let's Talk: Discussing Race, Racism and Other Difficult Topics with Students

American Psychological Association (APA)

Resources for Parents: Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race

American Psychological Association (APA)

Talking to kids about discrimination

HealthyChildren.org

Talking to Children About Racial Bias

Embrace Race

8 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Racial Justice

Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent's Guide to Preventing and Responding to Justice

Thank you for your help in creating a supportive community for all of our students.

Sincerely,

Khalid N. Mumin, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

This press release was produced by Lower Merion School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.