Canby School District Superintendent Trip Goodall has spoken out on the nationwide unrest and demonstrations that have followed the in-custody police killing of an unarmed black man in Minnesota, saying, “No person should ever walk in fear due to the color of their skin.”
“Recent incidents of violence directed toward African Americans have outraged all of us,” said Superintendent Trip Goodall, in a message to district families Thursday. “Our district is guided by the mission of ‘All students, all abilities, all opportunities.’ During these trying times, it’s never been more evident that there is a lot of work ahead of us.”
Goodall said these national and local tensions — playing out against the backdrop of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — have been created by “injustices that are not new to this country.”
“During these polarizing moments, children look toward us to guide them,” he said. “It is our responsibility to try to create a better world for them — and for one another. Too many people have suffered from injustices, racism and economic instability for too long.”
Goodall said the district will work in partnership with students, families and the community to address equity and equality issues, while providing an “outstanding educational experience for all.”
“It is on us to end the systemic oppression, racism and injustice that has sadly been part of the American experience for far too long,” he said.
High school students and staff have been prominent in many of the peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations that have broken out in smaller communities throughout Oregon this week, including McMinnville.
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@CanbySchools Superintendent Trip Goodall’s thoughts on the killing of #GeorgeFloyd and #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/9CqMlsrVSN