Loveland Schools Superintendent Speaks out on Racism & Discrimination

Message from LCSD Superintendent

FROM ‘TIGER TALK’ – LCSD newsletter reprinted with permission of LCSD. 

LOVELAND, OH (June 5, 2020) – Here is a message from LCSD Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse as published in the district newsletter. 

It’s been over a week since George Floyd was killed, igniting a critical call to action to address systemic racism. As a school district, we take an active stance against discrimination and racism through programs to improve our school environment, but I acknowledge that this is not enough.

As a white leader of a school district with a student body that is 89% white, I am deeply troubled that I do not know if 11% of our students feel they have a voice. I have struggled to find the right words to communicate my thoughts and feelings, but my apprehension to commit words to paper sooner should not be confused with a failure to state that I must do more – that I must lead our school district to do more. I have been inspired by the voices of our students on social media to not be silent.

It is completely unacceptable that anyone should be subject to racism and discrimination. Our schools play a big role in fostering a culture of inclusion at a pivotal time in the lives of children. This past year, our school leaders participated in professional learning to deepen the understanding of race, class, culture, and poverty. Addressing a culture of inclusivity will continue to be an active part of our school improvement plans for next year. We must now find new ways to push ourselves beyond inclusion and actively work to combat racism and to teach anti-racism, improve our practices to increase diversity and representation in our staff, and to ensure that our systems provide equity and access.

Dr. Amy Crouse (June 2, 2020)