"As social studies teachers in Jefferson Parish Schools, we stand against the school board’s most recent vote against forming a committee to reevaluate school names, mascots and emblems that have associations with racism. Choosing to uphold symbols which reflect the darkest and cruelest part of this country’s history enforces the false ideology of white supremacy and works against creating more equitable schools.
As social studies teachers, we intimately understand our nation’s history and recognize the irreparable harm that racism has caused generations of families and students in Jefferson Parish. The names and symbols of these schools are indicative of the larger systemic causes of generational poverty, crime, and scarcity of opportunity for young people in our parish. The majority of Jefferson Parish students already lack a curriculum in which they can see themselves represented, and school names and symbols such as the ones being challenged only serve to perpetuate this inequity. Now is the time for us to honor figures in our district that uplift our students and families, and share our values.
We advocate for the immediate change of all school names and mascots which have caused mental anguish for members of our community."