As educators, members of the Reading Teachers Association understand the unique responsibility we have for helping shape the next generation of our community, and every day we see the power that our young people have to make our world a better place. We also see the destructive forces of racism and the abuse of power by those whose responsibility it is to protect our communities. That is why we join the Reading Public Schools and the Reading Police Department to condemn the murder of George Floyd and offer our support of those who exercise their right to protest his death. We have always believed that collective action is the key to progress, and we are so proud of the students, teachers, and community members who have raised their voices in protest of police brutality, racism, and injustice.
To our students and families of color, we stand in solidarity with you and pledge to use our role to promote equality and combat racism and injustice wherever they arise. To our teacher members, we pledge to work with Reading Public Schools to empower you to be allies and champions of justice and equality. And to the entire community, we pledge to work in the coming weeks, months, and years to ensure the children of Reading Public Schools are able to learn, thrive, and grow in an inclusive environment that prepares them to change the world.
In solidarity,
The Reading Teachers Association
