March 17, 2021

Dear St. Luke's School Families,

As we strive to create a culture of inclusive belonging at St. Luke’s School that prioritizes equity and social justice, we affirm our unequivocal solidarity with members of the Asian American community. We especially want to support the Asian American members of the St. Luke’s School family. Alongside the dangers that the COVID-19 virus can afflict upon physical bodies, the social virus of racism afflicts the body politic. Virulent racism undermines our communal bonds with one another and disrupts our ability to appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures.

Throughout the pandemic, and especially during the last few weeks, we have witnessed unconscionable anti-Asian rhetoric and hate crimes. The shootings in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday, where six of the eight victims were Asian, can be added to this lamentable list. Recognizing the varied ways that these horrific events can affect our community at St. Luke’s School, we are committed to educating ourselves and our students about the history of anti-Asian racism in our country and around the world. We also are exploring ways that we can counteract this violence.

In an often-cited definition of social justice, the scholar-activist Lee Anne Bell insists:

Social justice is both a process and a goal. The goal of social justice is full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs. Social justice includes a vision of society in which the distribution of resources is equitable, and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure (Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice).

In our ongoing efforts to practice antiracism in our curriculum and sponsor a culture of care and safety, we must continue to acknowledge and respond to the harm these events cause. We also must examine the ways we tell stories of struggle and triumph that center Asian American voices and experiences.

What can we do as a community at St. Luke’s School? We can:

learn about and amplify issues concerning all forms of violence against Asian and Asian American communities.
ensure all community members are seen, heard, valued, and protected.
build cross-racial solidarity.
teach our students how to recognize unfairness and have the language to describe how unfairness hurts.
empower each other to act alone or together against all prejudice and discriminatory actions.

Please consult the resources below for more information:

We are earnestly committed to being a care-full village in the Village, implementing our Community Standards of respect, compassion, dignity, honesty, and excellence. Through acts of solidarity, allyship, and education, we will enable these values to further shape our community-building efforts, thereby making St. Luke’s School a safe and brave space that welcomes all.

With Care,