For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 30, 2019
ROCKVILLE, Md., Apr. 30, 2019—Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro made the following statement on behalf of the Council as it relates to yesterday’s incident at Walt Whitman High School where two students posted a photo of themselves wearing blackface.
“The Montgomery County Council is deeply disappointed to learn that two students at Walt Whitman High School recently engaged in racist behavior by posting an online image of themselves in blackface and using a racial slur while describing the picture. This incident is severely disturbing and culturally insensitive, and especially sad as it occurs at a time when residents of Montgomery County are engaging in conversations about racial equity and social justice. These actions are not representative of the high expectations we have for all of our students who attend MCPS, and we stand with the school administration in holding those accountable for these offensive actions.”
In April, following the Council’s announcement of its intent to adopt legislation of a racial equity and social justice policy, there was a successful youth town hall meeting on the subject at Gaithersburg High School. The meeting was conducted in partnership with the Council and the student member of the Board of Education Ananya Tadikonda.
Council President Navarro added, “It is unfortunate for us to be in 2019 and these types of incidents are still happening. In light of this, it is imperative that we continue our work to engage in education and outreach to sensitize our residents on the harmful effects of racism on the residents of our communities.”
For more information on the Council’s work on a Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y6grshjx
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