By Mike and Susanne Searl
During the July 15th Cuyahoga Falls School Board meeting, 4 out of 5 Board Membersvoted to pass the adoption of a “Resolution to Recognize Racism and the Negative Educational Impacts it Creates for Our Students, Families, Staff and Community at Large.” Board Member David Martin abstained without comment.
Board Vice President Anthony Gomez modeled the resolution after a similar document adopted June 8th by the Akron Public Schools Board of Education. In fact, Mr. Gomez drafted the resolution with the help of one of Akron’s School Board members, Dr. N.J. Akbar. Feedback was also provided by Cuyahoga Falls School Board President Karen Schofield and Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols.
The Resolution’s purpose was not only the Board’s opportunity to affirm the long-standing history of racism and discrimination within the country—which has impacted educational opportunities and economic prospects of minority racial groups—but also to direct the Superintendent with actionable items. Some of the actionable items declared in the resolution include the formulation of a district diversity and equity committee that will report to the Board and make recommendations to the Superintendent, the development of a district racial equity policy, an analysis of the district’s curriculum with particular attention to diversity and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples, the preparation of an annual report of racial bias complaints and outcomes, the incorporation of the public health effects of racism into the Student Wellness Plan, and a mandate to expand diversity, equity and inclusion, and implicit bias training for staff. The resolution also includes an affirmation that Black Lives Matter.
Reached for comment, Mr. Gomez provided the following statement:
“I’m grateful to Ms. Schofield, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Moffet for supporting this important Resolution that all would agree is a first step towards confronting racism in our school district. Dr. Nichols was also extremely supportive and is to be commended for his desire to work on this important topic. Racism is real. It was past time for our district to take a stand and actively work against it.
I’m deeply disappointed in Mr. Martin. Abstaining on important votes is the work of a coward. As this resolution had no financial piece, he could not have had a conflict of interest. Further, the Resolution was provided well in advance of our meeting and I personally offered to find answers to any questions any member might have. Mr. Martin never reached out to me. White silence is violence. Those who remain indifferent in the face of racism allow it to happen.”
Mr. Martin did not respond to requests for comment by the Falls Free Press
