EVANSTON-SKOKIE COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 65: Statement from the Evanston Community

By Press release submission

May 5, 2018

Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65 issued the following announcement on April 27.

Over the past several years leading institutions across Evanston have embraced an equity agenda focusing on addressing issues of race, racism and bias. We have stepped forward to have honest and open dialogue and discussions about racial equity. We have also stepped forward to offer racial equity training opportunities that include, among others, Beyond Diversity and SEED training. We realize that these trainings and discussions are not easy and are uncomfortable for some, yet we recognize that the potential to change our institutions so that they truly belong to people from all races and walks of life requires focused and sustained commitment to addressing race and equity head-on. In recent weeks several individuals have publicly criticized our efforts. As leaders in Evanston, we stand in strong support of our equity work and will continue to engage citizens in honest and open dialogue about race. And by doing so we will create a socially just and welcoming Evanston where all people of all backgrounds have opportunities to fulfill their true potential.

(Supporters in alphabetical order)

Beth Emet The Free Synagogue - Evanston

Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry

Caring Outreach by Parents in Evanston (COPE)

Childcare Network of Evanston

City of Evanston

Connections for the Homeless

Covenant Nursery School

Erie Health Centers

Evanston Branch NAACP

Evanston Community Foundation

Evanston Cradle to Career