A Message to Our Lansing USD 469 Family from Superintendent Dan Wessel
We are reaching out to our parents, students and staff at a crucial time for our community because of the recent heartbreaking events in our nation. I don’t believe racism is a political issue, and silence is not an option.
It is important to know that I, along with my Lansing USD 469 colleagues, are committed to equality, justice, and inclusion in all aspects of our school district. USD469 began diversity training this school year with administrators and a core group of employees, focusing on race and challenging our implicit biases. We will expand this training to include more staff during the 2020-2021 school year and beyond. Lansing Schools will continue to act upon our training and education in order to dismantle systemic racism at every level throughout our school district and community. We pledge our total support to the Lansing community, but most certainly to those who are black, indigenous, and all people of color. We see you. We hear you. We support you.
We believe education plays a powerful role in overcoming injustice. We must work together to create safe and respectful spaces in our Lansing schools and community. We commit to facilitating open communication in our school community to end racism, oppression, and ignorance. We also request our parents and staff create open dialogue with your children about racism to break this cycle.
As educators we also ask that you listen to stories of friends, neighbors, and community members who have personally experienced social injustice. It is through listening to those who are different than us that we will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and injustices they face.
Please reach out to me or another district employee if you or your student needs assistance. It is critical all our students know how much we love and care for them, now more than ever.
Dan Wessel
Lansing USD 469 Superintendent of Schools