Statement to School Support Personnel...Get the Word Out!

Over the last week many have witnessed a national
tragedy of unprecedented proportions.  Many who have
witnessed the horrific images on the news have been
traumatized, and in some instances, re-traumatized.
The issue of racism and racial disparity
is being questioned, at not only in
the United States, but internationally.
As we begin the first day of our school year,
I feel that we, as student services,
must at least be aware of the potential impact that
this can have on our students' ability to concentrate,
attend and perform. Many have family members and
friends in Louisiana, Mississippi and
Alabama.  Many of us have vacationed in these areas.
We have memories.

I am particularly very concerned about African American
staff and students as we begin this school year,
especially middle and high school age students.
I am concerned about all of our middle and high school
students.  Those who have a major influence on children
and young adults (Entertainers, actors and musicians)
have been very vocal in the media about their
feelings, their disappointment with the President of the
United States.

I am sharing these things with you because as student services,
we have to at least be aware of the impact these events
are and can potentially have on the students and
staff we serve.  For many this is more
devastating than September 11th because of the
perception that race is a factor in the
United States governments response to this tragedy.

Thank you.

Patrice M. Butler, MSW


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