We stand with our Black community members, fellow educators, and colleagues in the fight against racial injustice. The senseless killing of George Floyd has given rise to expressions of anguish and outrage fueled by a long history of racism, coupled with the devastating economic impact of the global pandemic.
So many of our students, teachers, and school leaders are members of these grieving communities. The classroom has always been one of the greatest tools to effect change—even remotely. Educators can use their powerful voices to diminish hate and raise the next generation with empathy and kindness.
At Reading Plus, we champion education and literacy as human rights. As Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” We are driven by our mission to help struggling students achieve their full potential by removing hurdles to their future success. Reading helps all students learn how to think critically, a skill that combats the ignorance that breeds racism.
We will increase our ongoing efforts to provide texts from diverse authors that represent the human experience from all perspectives. We will not shy away from content that addresses the many facets of racism and inclusivity. In addition, we will continue to refine our policies and practices to ensure that we consistently provide the foundation for an equitable organization.
If you would like to share with us what you are feeling or experiencing, we are here. If you have a story to tell, we are listening. If you seek support from Reading Plus, please let us know how we can serve you better.
Sincerely,
Steven Guttentag, Ph.D.
CEO, Reading Plus
