Breonna Taylor-Courageous Conversations

Goethe believes Black Lives Matter.

As many of you know, the verdict in the Breonna Taylor case was announced today. The ripple effect of these decisions will be felt in communities across the country.

We want to support you all with some resources and ideas about how to have conversations with your students about what is going on. Please be intentional with how you communicate with your students and families. See resource for support: Breonna Taylor-Courageous Conversations.

“What hurts the victim most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystander.” ― Elie Wiesel

To our education community, 

Just today, the grand jury in Louisville made the decision not to charge the officers who killed Breonna Taylor.  The one officer who was indicted, was charged with endangerment for shooting into neighboring apartments (though no neighbors were injured).  Louisville and other cities, including Chicago are expected to host protests, vigils, and rallies.  As we have seen in the course of the last 6 months, there is the chance this news may lead to larger civic unrest and conflict within the city. 

As we are watching events unfold, our students are watching those same events. We are all facing the challenge of pocessing our own emotions and reactions, and we know you may have varying comfort levels addressing the events with your community and with your students. This is made more challenging by the fact that this is the start of the year, and we are teaching virtually.  Below we have provided support in how to navigate this with your students. 

The most important thing we can do as teachers, is to acknowledge that something is happening, not to be perfect or have all the answers. Our students are seeing what is happening and are affected, we can’t stay silent. 

- Nikki, Emily, Allyn, Beberlyn, Sam, & Nader    

Goethe Courageous Conversations Team

#sayhername #breonnataylor #nojusticenopeace #blacklivesmatter #blm