June 10, 2019
Dear Uxbridge High School Community:
Several weeks ago, we shared with the community that we were dealing with some unfortunate circumstances, namely that a few students were being targeted on the basis of their race, color, or national origin. In the time since, we have put several steps in place throughout the building, including working with our staff on being more vigilant and aware of some of the vernacular being used, while integrating many classroom experiences that help encourage the acceptance of different people and perspectives.
Though the work being done in class to help students understand the dangers of bias, bigotry, and indifference has been powerful, we, regrettably, continue to find that some students are being targeted. In the past week, we have had students aggressively use hate speech toward others, and, while some of our students have contended that this is “just the way we talk,” language that deliberately and materially disrupts the learning environment for students on the basis of things that are beyond their control, such as color, simply will not be tolerated. As a positive, we have had many students stand up for their targeted peers, and who have helped us support change. While good news, it is clear that the work is just beginning.
As administrators, we have walked the line between consequence and education for the past several months, as we have attempted to help students understand the impact of their words. We follow a consistent process: we hear the allegation, investigate the claim, judge it, and determine consequences, again attempting to re-engage students and educate. While we have been issuing suspensions for abusive, harassing, and hateful language, in accordance with our Student Handbook, School Committee policy, and core values as a community, we are still bound to educate and prevent recurrence, all while being mindful that acts of retaliation against those who report such harassment. Those cases will similarly be dealt with, moving forward, with more stringent consequences, as is outlined in our handbook and as consistent with the law.
As we approach the summer months, our high school team, in alignment with our district strategic plan, will be working on plans that will help make UHS more inclusive and respectful. In the meantime, we ask for your support in helping us combat all forms of discrimination by urging your students, should they report something to you, have them see a counselor. We understand that the hesitation to stand up is great, and that students generally fear being labeled a “snitch,” but it is only with a coordinated, systemic, and unified approach to all forms of hatred that we can truly build the community that we want to be. And, for those few families who are contacted following the use of this language, there will be no surprised with the level of seriousness and consequence that we are taking moving forward. Ultimately, we hope to get to a point where we are not reacting to bad decisions and where proactive steps to build a more inclusive culture are more meaningful. Until then, however, we will respond accordingly, swiftly, and sternly.
While disappointed in what has happened, and frustrated with those few students who continue to use terms that history condemned long ago, we truly believe this will be an opportunity to root out hatred, to commit to making real change, and to supporting all our students. As always, we thank you for the support.
Sincerely yours,
Michael D. Rubin
Principal
