Over the next two weeks, nearly three-fourths of our students will return to school campuses for in-person learning for the first time since March 13, 2020. The remaining students have chosen remote only learning that is available through the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. These are certainly unprecedented times. COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with each other. It has caused many to lose work, others to become ill, and some to lose their lives prematurely.

Beyond, or in addition to, the impact of COVID-19, there is a disturbing increase in social unrest, threatening speech, damaging behavior, and the loss of life. It is pretty safe to say, these harmful behaviors concern all of us. I hope this common concern can help us come to some common solutions.

The harmful shift in social misbehavior centers on race and ripples across other aspects of the social and political landscape. Individuals and organizations are working to improve the current unhealthy situation. The interventions being put in place vary because people have different agendas or goals. My goal, and the goal of many I have spoken with, is to make Haywood County Schools a better place for our students. Schools should be safe places where students can come together and have equal access to learning and participation in extra-curricular activities. Our students deserve schools that are free of bias and unnecessary disruptions.

Addressing racism and other social injustices is a longstanding and monumental task. Here is the good news. We have a lot of really good people in our schools and community. The vast majority don’t want African American students, or anyone else, to be mistreated.

Racial slurs and all other forms of discrimination are wrong. Disliking and mistreating other people just because they look or believe differently is wrong. We don’t have to look the same, or believe the same, to be kind, civil, and supportive. I ask students and staff to recognize racial and other forms of discrimination and to act in a kind, civil, and supportive manner. Offenses should be promptly reported to school administrators. Discipline for verified offenses should include restorative justice conversations designed to help offenders understand the hurtful impact of their actions.

I ask everyone to begin by recognizing discrimination and acting in a kind, civil, and supportive manner that helps others understand the personal impact of racial and other forms of discrimination. Over time, we will review policies and other operational procedures but change almost always begins with a change of heart. Lasting comprehensive change usually involves people working together. We will be better together and we will all need to do our part.