Reflecting on Yesterday's Events
Posted on 01/07/2021
CPS Community -
I want to take a moment to share some thoughts about the shocking, disturbing and heartbreaking events that took place in our nation’s capital, and recognize that many of us can experience such events differently based on our identities and back stories.
For me, I imagined my own parents, who immigrated from Indonesia where political unrest and violence was all too common, as I watched the scenes of an angry and violent mob taking over the Capitol. It seemed surreal and remains horrifying and unsettling. I am troubled by the responses to protest, and the double standard of response when compared with the protests for racial justice that have taken place this past year.
At the same time, I find hope in the unprecedented high voter turnout in the Georgia run-off elections and the historic election of that state’s first Black Senator who will join a Senate presided by the first Black and Asian-American Vice President. And in our own community, our students serve as an inspiration and beacon of hope - tomorrow, CRLS History Club student leaders will be hosting a student-led forum focused on yesterday’s events.
For students navigating these times, our History and Social Studies department has provided CPS staff with a range of resources for framing and supporting conversations with students and answering their questions about elections, insurrections, and transitions of power. Educators, administrators and staff stand ready to support students’ individual needs.
It is such a difficult time for our country and community on so many fronts, and particularly challenging for parents, caregivers, and educators. While we all may have different ideas for the path forward, we are unified in our goal of supporting the children and young people of CPS.
Sincerely,
Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent