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A letter to the MSD community from the superintendent

A recent incident outside one of our schools prompted Dr. Vargas to write a letter which emphasizes that our schools are proud of and celebrate the diversity of our students and staff. Manchester School District will continue to discredit any messages that contradict the American values of inclusion and respect. It is our sincere hope that all members of our community support the school district in fostering those values, particularly in interactions with children. 

Dear Families and Community Members of the Manchester School District:

I am writing to share details of a racially charged incident that took place at one of our schools yesterday morning. A sign reading “Diversity is a codeword for white genocide” was posted on the fence outside of The Middle School at Parkside sometime overnight. The sign is part of a bigger campaign known as the White Genocide Project, which according to their website “believes the present day social policy of ‘diversity’ is nothing more than a coordinated campaign of genocide against White people.

The sign was removed as soon as it was discovered, and an investigation is underway. It is extremely unfortunate that the person or persons who hung the sign chose a school as the venue to express such ideas.  The Manchester School District finds this act of bias deplorable and we denounce it. The true measure of our character is how we choose to respond.

This is an opportunity for adults and children to demonstrate appreciation and understanding for our diverse backgrounds and culture and to reinforce our shared values of respect and inclusion. The Manchester School District is a place where all students are free to learn in a safe and welcoming environment. This is the focus of our continued work. I ask that you assist us in this mission by being mindful of what you are seeing and hearing with regard to this latest incident, and report any information to your son or daughter’s school principal.

Manchester School District stands firm in its belief that all children deserve equal opportunity and access to the highest quality of learning and life. And, we believe that incidents such as this one are isolated and limited to the few, while the majority of our great city celebrates our uniqueness and diversity in many ways.

Sincerely,

Bolgen Vargas, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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