“Justice is what love looks like in public”. – Dr. Cornel West
The Souderton Area School District is an increasingly diverse multiracial and multicultural community with a long history of inclusion and tolerance. Our elected officials are trusted with the responsibility to uphold our shared values: trustworthy, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. When one of these leaders violates our community values by posting disparaging, racist and misogynistic statements on social media, the community is right to demand justice.
As our mission states: We believe the Souderton Area is STRONGEST when we: recognize and celebrate our diverse multicultural community; Engage in critical self-reflection and lifelong learning; collectively advocate for justice and equity through direct action; and Commit to building and maintaining an equitable public education system for all youth in the the Souderton Area.
We will work with our community to hold our leaders accountable, demand justice, and heal those who have been injured by these hateful statements.
The following email was sent out to parents in the district, but not to the community as a whole:
“Dear SASD Parent/Guardian,
Last week, one of our School Board members used inappropriate language and poor judgement in a comment posted on social media regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. The comment has been shared widely and has received a significant amount of attention in our community. We want to take a moment to address this matter.
First, it’s important that our school community knows that the comments or actions of an individual board member, administrator or employee of the District do not represent the board as a whole, the administration or others in our employee groups. We believe that school leaders should be strong role models, acting with the same respect, civility and kindness that we ask of our students. In almost all of our communications, we proudly share our school district motto and tagline – “A community where character counts” – and we routinely showcase the many ways in which we as a school community really do live out these words.
The Board has asked for some time to process this situation and that time is being afforded. However, we do not want a delay in communication from the District to be perceived as a lack of concern or disregard for the impact these comments have had on our community. Words matter. Respect matters. Our schools and offices must be spaces where diverse opinions are honored – but where respect is required.
As a team, our focus is on preparing for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. We are excited to welcome our students and staff back to our schools. There is so much good – and we are committed to ensuring that this school year is a great one – for all of us.
Sincerely,
Frank T. Gallagher”
The below image is the screenshot of Director Formica’s inappropriate social media posting in question.
CALL TO ACTION
Write to the School Board and demand a special meeting!
Superintendent Gallagher and Board President Keith sent an email to the school community Friday afternoon in response to outrage over the derogatory, racist and misogynistic public post on Director Formica’s social media. The email requests the Board to be give “time to process” the recent events. The community has made it clear that immediate action is necessary. Waiting several weeks before addressing the issue at the next scheduled meeting is inadequate and unacceptable. The community wants to hear directly from the Board.
Email the Board today and demand a special meeting. The community has the right to demand a public platform for discussion and debate, to witness the Board deliberate and take prompt action.
Email Board President Keith at:
kkeith@soudertonsd.org
