Admin, Behavior/Discipline, Teacher Shortage, Vision: 2020

Racism: The Elephant in the Room

This letter was submitted via our open letter form. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Dear JCPS.

Dear JCPS,

JCPS is reflective of the racism instituted by our society. Employees and students alike are continually discriminated against on every scale. Black students make up over 50% of all discipline issues but make up way less than 50% of the population. Teachers routinely punish black students for offenses that white students get away with far more often. I have taught for over 15 years and I’m sick of it. I see it daily and at every school I’ve been it’s the same. Cultural competency is not a priority at JCPS where most often teachers are white. This is the same problem Judge Olu faces because our kids are being judged and punished by those who are not their peers and don’t understand.

Employees are also routinely disrespected. Every Black male hired is seen as muscle instead of a competing intellectual. Black men with good reputations and solid teaching and/or academic coaching experience are often overlooked for promotions. The district has less than 2% African American administrators. Blacks usually have to wait twice as long as white applicants to be moved into a promoted position.

I’m tired of not being considered for promotion but someone who has half of my experience is continually being promoted. I was told directly by my supervisor that I did not get promoted to an assistant principal position because the other administrators felt there were too many black administrators at my school. I’ve heard this before. No one ever complains about too many white administrators but they get uncomfortable with black admin.

I have stellar records for raising test scores for students and teachers who serve them. I’ve been in education for over 15 years and like so many other Blacks in the district I get by passed by less qualified individuals who are in tune with the”good Ole boy” network.

STOP THE RACISM JCPS. YOU’RE FAILING THE ENTIRE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

Signed,
Angry Black Man

NOTE: While the author’s identity is protected here, they are not anonymous to Dear JCPS. Any board member wishing to address the concerns shared here can contact our administrators to make a connection.

1 thought on “Racism: The Elephant in the Room”

  1. Black kids make up 50% of all disciplinary actions but are less thsn 50% of the student population. This is true. He says white students don’t get punished for the same violations. I would like to see the data on that. I think it’s more likely that what we see is an underlying problem within the black community. This problem is undoubtedly caused by the complete collapse of the black family and a culture that champions irresponsible behavior. The #1 killer of black men is other black men. They account for about 13% of the US population but are responsible for around 1/2 the homicedes. There is a parallel to be drawn here.

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