Community Message from Gardner Barrier
June 3, 2020
Dear FCDS Community:
Dear FCDS Community:
We stand at a place in history where silence from those who value justice and equality is not an option. The unjust killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others have revealed a nation in mourning for black lives. As a school that values diversity and inclusivity, Forsyth Country Day School stands up and strongly rejects the discrimination that infects our society as well as the deeply rooted structures which have produced systemic racism.
We recognize that our black and brown students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni have a unique relationship to these events. We see, hear, and value you. The Forsyth Country Day School community stands in solidarity with you, and commits that we will move forward together.
In addition to unequivocally rejecting racism, we will actively strive to be anti-racist, actively working to combat racism in our own lives, in our community, and in society as a whole.
To be anti-racist, we must be willing to address our own beliefs and actions. We must examine our thoughts and behaviors and work with our students to do the same. In the words of Tim Wise, best-selling author of White Like Me, “I have no idea when (or if) racism will be eradicated. I have no idea whether anything I say, do, or write will make the least bit of difference in the world. But I say it, do it, and write it anyway, because as uncertain as the outcome of our resistance may be, the outcome of our silence and inaction is anything but.”
A necessary first step is engaging in honest conversations about these topics. For our children, no matter their age, there is an appropriate resource to help foster meaningful dialogue. See resources we recommend to the right.
To foster this crucial conversation as a whole learning community, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, & Outreach Frank Brown and incoming Upper School Director Scott Pohjola will be taking to Live @FCDS in order to help our students and community process what’s going on in a heartfelt and respectful manner. If you’d like to join them, please Zoom with us on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in the Teaching & Learning Zoom Room.
Being part of a connected and caring community has never felt more vital. Let’s support one another through this incredibly difficult time with empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Take care (of each other) and be well,
Gardner
Resources
Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
