SAN JOSE, CA – On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, Santa Clara County Board of Education unanimously approved and signed a resolution formally denouncing acts of racial discrimination, hate crimes, and microaggressions towards the African American community. The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) stands together with the African American community to combat social injustice and affirms its commitment to foster systems anchored in equity, dignity, love, and compassion.
“We are grateful to be a part of such a diverse community that is built on the principles of equity, inclusion, diversity and partnership, and we will nurture a culture that further strengthens our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Santa Clara County Superintendent, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “This resolution affirms our commitment to the well-being of our African American community members and supports the continued dialogue necessary to acknowledge, identify and eliminate systemic racism.”
The SCCOE works to serve, inspire, and promote all students and public school success and is especially aware of the trauma that accompanies being subject to racism, discrimination and prejudice as a barrier to positive mental health and well-being, and academic achievement. Together with the Inclusion Collaborative, and in conjunction with the California Department of Education, SCCOE will utilize the California Equity Performance Improvement Program (CEPIP) county-wide to address equity and achievement gaps for African American students, while supporting the well-being and safety of African American community members.
“All aspects of an individual, including race, contribute to the whole person. The County Board of Education embraces diversity, inclusion and the immeasurable value on human life,” said Santa Clara County Board of Education President, Claudia Rossi. “We stand in solidarity with our community to combat systemic racism and promote equity in all of our systems.”
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.