February 28, 2020
Update from Superintendent Salim
This past month, CPS schools have been reading, sharing and considering what it means to make history as part of their observance of Black History Month. I have heard History teachers remark on the need to help students understand that their lives today could be the subject of history studies in the future.
I think this concept is especially relevant as our community continues to grapple with our responsibility for ensuring that every student understands that their experiences matter. Within a culture that too often denigrates and disparages them, it is vital that our schools immerse our African American / Black students in messages and learning that affirm the value of their learning and their lives.
It is my hope that this Equity & Access website will build greater transparency around our efforts to build an anti-racist and equitable learning environment in our schools. As we seek to dismantle the structures of racism and other oppressive legacies, this newsletter will also direct attention to the many CPS educators, students, and families who work tirelessly to build a better future for young people.
If you have stories you would like us to share, or have questions that should be addressed in an upcoming issue, please email [email protected]. We want to hear from you, and to understand your perspective.
Sincerely,
Kenneth N. Salim, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Definition of Equity and Racial Equity
Equity means that each student, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status will have access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to attain their full potential.
Racial Equity means the absence of institutional and structural barriers experienced by people based on race or color, that impede access, opportunities, and results.
Achieving racial equity requires proactive and continuous investment in communities of color, who have endured centuries of systemic oppression. CPS is committed to dismantling structures rooted in white privilege, to hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, and recognizing and eliminating bias.