Hundreds sign petition to demand Shaler Area School District take anti-racism action

SHALER, Pa. — Hundreds of Shaler students and residents are demanding the school district take action to stop racism.

They want an updated curriculum on black history, more diversity among staff, and more support for students of color.

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Several alumni spearheaded the petition against alleged racism in the predominantly white district.

The open letter demands Shaler Area School District commit to anti-racism education, stating that the lack of educational experiences representing black voices and history is “unacceptable.”

The online petition has almost 1,000 signatures from alumni and community members.

Students said they recognize the challenges teachers face, and acknowledge efforts to include black voices and authors in the classroom, but they still want the district to do better. In addition to a more contemporary curriculum, petitioners are calling for more teachers and administrators of color, a diversity assessment and enhanced support for students of color.

The district sent us this statement:

As a school district, we have a responsibility as we prepare the next generation of leaders and citizens, and recent incidents of racial inequality across our country highlight the importance of teaching acceptance, inclusion, and anti-racism. As educators, we stand together in our commitment to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all of our students and families.

Over the course of the summer, we have been partnering together with alumni, students, parents, and community members to have honest discussions related to race, equity, and equality in Shaler Area. We have focused on truly listening with the intent to understand as a school district, and we are also looking to take some action steps in the short term and long term. We need to fully understand the issues at hand and take the necessary steps to create a more inclusive environment.

We are beginning to convene an advisory board which includes experts and professionals on matters of race and equity. Additionally, we are exploring a community-based participatory research effort, professional development options, and also discussing possible curricular adjustments to ensure that our students receive a diverse academic experience that better prepares them to understand the world around them. We intend to have public forums with students, parents, and community to engage in meaningful discourse on the matter of race and empower our students and encourage them to have a voice, strengthening groups like the Students of Color Union.

We are committed to seeing our district grow and become more inclusive as a school district.

—  Sean Aiken, superintendent of Shaler Area School District

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