Resolutions for Addressing Institutional and Systemic Racism

Whereas Islander Middle School PTSA is committed to advocate for institutional and systemic changes that ensure equity, justice, respect, and inclusion of all children. Islander Middle School PTSA strives to be anti-racist. We welcome all voices – and seek to learn from our community.

Whereas Advocacy is a key mission of Islander Middle School PTSA. We will work to influence the Mercer Island School District and our greater political systems in identifying, acknowledging, and acting upon the challenges of marginalized communities. We are evaluating our organization and strategic priorities to prioritize diversity and inclusion. The Islander Middle School PTSA will work harder to: ensure that all children have safe and supportive learning environments; eliminate all forms of violence to ensure the safety of students, staff, and communities; and advocate for the health, well-being, inclusion, and education of every child.

Resolved: That Islander Middle School PTSA commits to being an anti-racist organization by:

Educating our PTA members on issues related to anti-racism through hosting parent education events, learning from Black leaders and other leaders of color in our community and beyond, providing anti-racism books and resources for families, and by educating our Board Members in anti-racist practices.

Actively working with our nomination committee and the Mercer Island School District to seek representation of positive role models in a variety of leadership roles, to promote diversity and understanding.

Actively working to welcome the voices of our families of color and those furthest from educational justice by engaging with families on a consistent basis and by providing a safe space for dialogue and community.

Actively working to make all our board and committee meetings and events inclusive and welcoming to families furthest from educational justice and families of color, including working to bring voices of families of color into the leadership of our organization.

Actively working to listen to our families of color, educate ourselves on issues our community faces, and evolve our PTA’s anti-racist  actions to meet the most pressing needs.

Actively working with the Mercer Island School District, the City of Mercer Island, and the State of Washington to promote equitable funding models.

Actively working with our school and the Mercer Island School District to implement identity bias in incident reports and provide opportunities for culturally sensitive interventions and training.

Actively working with our school, the Mercer Island School District, and the State of Washington to promote the creation and i implementation of anti-racist and culturally responsive curriculum, and to continue evaluating and updating the curriculum with an

anti-racist lens to meet the needs of all students.

Actively working with our school, the Mercer Island School District, the City of Mercer Island, and the State of Washington to provide opportunities and funding for ongoing anti-racism training for all staff members, in particular to support the availability of equitable educational opportunities and to cease racist disciplinary practices and other exclusionary practices.

Actively following and learning from anti-racist efforts by our PTA organizations at the local, state, and national level to inform our actions and activities.