Stanwood Camano School Board Meeting, April 16th, 2024
Last night, I had the opportunity to speak at the Stanwood Camano School Board meeting regarding equity.
In March’s meeting, there were very disparaging comments made by two school board members. One wants to get rid of all provisions in the WA Educational constitution that deals with safety, inclusion, equity, and diversity. One of the directors said that resources should not be spent on students from single parent households, homeless students, students from families with addictions, and students with different abilities.
Another director dismissed the student of color who sits on the board of directors after she shared her experience of racism.
It was a meeting that exposed bigotry and racism within our community.
Because I spoke, I wanted to share with you the speech I shared.
Greetings,
My name is Rev. Justin White, I use he/him pronouns and I am the pastor at Stanwood United Methodist Church. My statement tonight is a statement by me and from me, and not an endorsement by our local church.
I want to share with you a powerful lesson found twice in the Christian new testament, Matthew 18 and Luke 15.
The story is that one day there was a shepherd who noticed that there were only 99 sheep in the fold when there should have been 100. The shepherd left behind ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that had gotten away and was lost. The shepherd finds the sheep and then brings the sheep back into the fold. It’s a beautiful story of compassion, persistence, and equity — a concept that resonates profoundly in the context of our schools and education system. A concept that many would want to do away with.
In this parable, we witness the shepherd’s unwavering commitment to each individual sheep. Despite the majority being safe and accounted for, the shepherd’s attention turns to the one that is lost. This act exemplifies the principle of equity — a foundational value that emphasizes fairness and justice, ensuring that every person receives what they need to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
Our schools today face diverse challenges, and not all students start from the same place. Equity demands that we acknowledge and address these differences, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Like the shepherd who prioritizes the lost sheep, educators must focus on those who are struggling or at risk, providing them with the necessary support and resources to reach their potential, because every single student in our schools have potential, regardless if they are in the so-called “ten percent” that one school board member talked about in a previous meeting.
Equity in education means recognizing and removing barriers that hinder students from achieving success. It requires all of us to tailor interventions and resources based on individual needs, just as the shepherd customizes the shepherd’s efforts to locate the lost sheep.
The success of one student, no matter that students economic situation, racial identity, social location, home life, gender identity or sexual orientation, only helps the success of the collective. In no way does it harm any other student.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep underscores the importance of empathy and inclusivity in our schools. Just as the shepherd doesn’t judge or abandon the lost sheep, educators must approach each student with understanding and compassion. Our school board members must also value each student, regardless of race, economic status, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social location and other markers of “difference” that make some of those in power uncomfortable.
To dismiss equity by relying on the U.S. Constitution is farcical and problematic, unless you only care about slave owning men, as was the case in the US Constitution.
As a religious leader in this community who also identifies as a queer man, I want to share with the students of our district, especially those of you who feel different and not not seen, I see you. You are enough. You are worthy. You deserve to be loved and to feel safe, and even celebrated in our schools. I just wish some on this school board felt the same way.
