Skip to main content

IMPORTANT BISFA COMMUNITY STATEMENT

Posted June 5, 2020

DEAR BISFA COMMUNITY:                

 

As a community, we have faced many challenges and been in crisis due to COVID-19 and we are, and continue to be, in this together.  

 

While we begin to recover, we now focus on the even bigger challenge and crisis of inequality and injustice. The death of George Floyd has magnified feelings of anger, anxiety, frustration, and fear experienced by so many. This impacts our communities, our schools, and our citizens and we understand and acknowledge that this impact will differ for each of us.

 

We have been listening. Our initial silence does not equate with apathy or hatred, but rather true reflection in the face of a very difficult time. The Barbara Ingram School for the Arts stands with WCPS and the statement released on Wednesday evening, which now enables us to open this discussion and communicate our support in our BISFA community. 

 

To all of our students, staff, faculty, and community members of color, we stand with you and with all who stand against injustice. Recently, our administrative team and the CES Supervisor of Equity and Excellence met with various student leaders to begin the dialogue to work toward true change, and develop action steps not only for our school but also for our community. 

 

As we watch local and national news coverage, post on social media, and march to bring attention to the crisis, we want you to know you are not alone. We stand in solidarity as a BISFA community of past, present, and future students. We hear you, we see you, and we are here for you.  

 

We stand firm in our values of diversity and inclusivity and denounce all forms of bigotry. 

 

As we take steps toward healing, please know how important you are to the staff and community of Barbara Ingram.  While true change takes time, we are committed to remaining focused and engaged in doing the work necessary to better our future. We encourage you to reach out to discuss strategies moving forward or to express your thoughts. Dr. Hovermale can be reached at [email protected].  We are in this together.  

 

In Solidarity,

The Barbara Ingram Community

 

School(s):