TQS' Commitment to Peace and Justice

Dear Parents, Families and Friends,

I wanted to speak to what we all have witnessed through news reports or perhaps in person in recent days. In fact, it has been a difficult several days inside of several challenging months for our nation and region. The issues that have rightly resurfaced since the death of George Floyd last week call all of us to examine our own consciences and the communities to which we belong and to move deliberately and continuously, productively and peacefully in the direction of equity and justice for all.

We are a Quaker school and are committed to peace and justice, both of which may feel far away right now. Now more than ever, the work of unpacking and dismantling bias, privilege, and oppressive systems fueled by abusive use of power is crucial to the well-being of students and adults in our community. Now more than ever, we must decry the use of violence whether by racists, violent protestors, or others and support those who engage in peaceful protest against systemic racism and abuse. We must align ourselves with those who seek positive change for all members of society and who seek to achieve that change through nonviolent means.

I encourage you to reach out if you or your children want to talk or are wondering how to process all that is happening. I don’t promise that I’ll have the answers, but central to the important work of making incremental, lasting, positive change is engaging in open and honest conversations with ourselves and each other, and, as always, we are here to do that together with you. The clinical team is meeting with all students and is on-call for all who need them. Let us hold all of the bereaved and oppressed in the Light.

Peacefully yours,

Alex