SWW Admin Message About The Events at The U.S. Capitol
January 7, 2021
Walls Community,
Yesterday, we witnessed a national tragedy in which the U.S. Capitol was overrun by rioters and insurrectionists. While this was a national tragedy in our hometown witnessed by the world, the uniqueness of America is our ability to recover from dark times. Like the past, America has the indomitable will to recover from breaches in our democracy. We will recover from the ugliness of yesterday. Our students have experienced a real-life lesson that we must always be vigilant, that we live in a representative democracy, and the will of the people must always prevail.
Robin Givhan, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and writer for the Washington Post, states in an article, “To describe these people as protesters is to undermine those who take to the streets in peace, who raise their voices in hopes of making the country better- not to demolish it.”
This spring and summer, we witnessed our own students and community members engage in peaceful protests against racial injustice. Those peaceful protests around the country were met with varying levels of enforcement. While we recognize the importance of collective voice, and that equal protection and fairness are hallmarks of a democracy, we know the reality of those hallmarks do not exist for all groups.
Despite the events yesterday, we will continue to encourage our students to engage in difficult dialogue, to share their voice, to act with urgency, and stand up for what they believe is right to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
Today and in the coming days, we are asking teachers and staff to provide opportunities for students to share their feelings about yesterday’s events, if they are able. We know that many in our community are feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Our counselors will be available to meet with students during both lunch periods today, Thursday, 1/7 and tomorrow, Friday, 1/8 to discuss recent events and emotions that have risen. Please feel free to reach out to them individually, reach out to administration, or reach out to our School Social Worker, Sophia Thomas at Sophia.thomas@k12.dc.gov for any individual supports.
We hope the dialogue will be the catalyst for you becoming more informed citizens who will have a positive and lasting impact on our country.
Thank you and stay safe,
SWW Administration.