The following is a letter to the Editors from the Black Student Union, submitted on April 23. 

Within only the past year, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbury, Daunte Wright and countless other lives taken by the hands of law enforcement ignited a flame of passionate activists and flooded the streets with protesters around the world. These demonstrators were determined to end the long, disturbing pattern of police brutality, systemic racism and the overarching cloud of white supremacy that has lingered over our country for centuries. 

As today’s technological resources provide unlimited access to information and the ability to document recent incidents of racial discrimination, injustice and inequality, the Black Student Union firmly believes it is vital to engage in a dialogue about these events as they are prevalent, not only in our society, but in the Rancocas Valley community as well. Considering that students of color make up almost half of the student body, it is unacceptable and inexcusable to not address them.

An important, albeit uncomfortable, conversation regarding the recent events of racially charged incidents from law enforcement and even education administration is necessary considering how diversity is one of the several aspects in which RV prides itself. However, diversity is more than a statistic utilized to meet a quota or something to be mentioned in a board meeting. Neglecting to speak on the injustices facing people of color is neglecting to acknowledge the effect these situations have on such a large population of RV students. Moreover, schools should not continue to be isolated from societal issues, as they are boundless and their impacts do not disappear once on campus. 

Although educators and administrators may be hesitant to discuss certain events with their students, as it may be interpreted as political speech, it is important to identify the profound distinction between politics and basic human rights issues, and it is necessary to discuss them in the classroom. The Black Student Union believes this controversy partly stems from a lack of critical racial sensitivity training in the process of becoming an educator, and the absence of accountability and responsibility on the part of the administration to initiate difficult but necessary conversations. After surveying the student body, we unfortunately discovered that many educators have not addressed or created a platform for their students to discuss the recent incidents of racial injustice and police brutality against Black, Asian and additional minority groups in our country, despite the fact that these events have impacted a large percentage of our student body, as well as our entire nation.

Furthermore, the Black Student Union also believes that infusing additional information regarding Black history, which is world and more specifically American history, into our core curriculum will better educate students about what is currently happening in our society and eliminate possible ignorances. Moreover, courses on African American history should already be incorporated into the course selection as other neighboring schools, such as Cherry Hill East, already have a similar course as a graduation requirement for their students. Student interest should not be a requisite for the creation of a course, because learning more history about Black people and their contributions and achievements in society will create a more inclusive environment and a better-educated, well-rounded student population in RV.

The Black Student Union wants to remind the entire RV community that our mission is to bridge the gaps between society and school, and to establish platforms for individuals to have a safe, open and brave space to express themselves and engage in conversations about issues of race, politics and identity. However, we believe that the administration should not be hesitant to initiate those conversations, but be excited to establish a welcoming environment where we can learn from each other to finally see the color in the classroom and use it to paint a better picture for their students. We strongly encourage all students, teachers and administration to join us in building, sculpting, uplifting and amplifying Black and minority voices to finally ignite a change in our school, communities and country. 

The Rancocas Valley Black Student Union