Dear Members of the Pingree Community,
Following community messages last week standing in solidarity against racism and systemic oppression after the horrific killing of George Floyd, we received courageous stories from black and brown students and alumni about their experiences at our school, imploring us to sustain the urgency of this moment to live our mission and values. Thank you, we love you, we hear you, we agree with you, and we acknowledge that Pingree has not been immune to racial inequities and injustices. The flames that are burning across our country at this moment illuminate darkness that is too often hidden for those we hope to see: the outrage, the shame, the exhaustion, the anxiety of who we see through windows and in mirrors.
We will be better and do the work to ensure that we are the change we seek in this country—beginning in our own community. Our work will be difficult and ongoing, and we will make mistakes. It will require healing, humility, and endurance from all of us. Our individual and collective actions, not our words, will define us.
With this goal, we invite students and community members to a series of “town hall” forums to join us in furthering our commitment to the work of equity and inclusion. Pingree is accountable, and we will work together to create a safe, just, and caring learning environment for all of our students. Personal reflection, discomfort, and sacrifice will be required for meaningful change.
Our faculty and staff model for future work will be rooted in three areas, under which there are measurable action steps: connection, education, and civic action. We are offering four town halls with Pingree community members that align with work in these areas. Zoom invitation links forthcoming.
Wednesday, June 10, at 5:00 p.m.
For current students of color and students of color in the Class of 2020
Connect: We are hosting an open town hall, during which you are invited to share your experiences with administration, faculty, and advisors. We have read what some students have shared on social media, and we would like to support students by listening in person. We will structure this session in consultation with students to ensure we are creating safe and supportive spaces for them to connect with faculty and administrators. Our goal for this meeting is to hold the space for sharing and listening.
Wednesday, June 17, at 5:00 p.m. (hold)
For all Pingree community members: Students, parents, and alumni
Educate: Let's Talk About George Floyd, Police Brutality, and Protest, featuring guest speaker DeRay Mckesson. Mr. Mckesson is a nationally-recognized civil rights activist, a leading voice in Black Lives Matter, and a key player in the work to confront systems and structures that have led to mass incarceration and murder by police of Black people and other American people of color. Among his accomplishments, he is the host of the award-winning weekly podcast Pod Save The People, frequently appears in national media, and was named one of the World's Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine in 2015.
Wednesday, July 15, at 5:00 p.m.
For all Pingree students and parents
Program planning and action: The Head of School, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, Dean of Community and Multicultural Development, Director of Athletics and Afternoon Programs, Dean of Students, teachers, and staff will answer questions and share ongoing work.
Wednesday, August 5, at 5:00 p.m.
For alumni
Connect: A panel of Pingree administrators and faculty will host a session to listen, share, and develop action steps with alumni.
We look forward to deepening our school commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice together.
Sincerely,
Tim