I was disappointed to hear that fourteen legislators – white, middle-class, like me – were calling for the resignation or firing of John Marshall, head of the Department of Diversity, Equity and Poverty in Jefferson County Public Schools. On his own time and on his social media account, Marshall had responded to people asking how to handle racist texts sent to some African-American students at Southern High. Marshall said, “…knowing that the majority of white people could care less about you and have no problem harming you or yours.” Did white lawmakers first ask their black colleagues if Marshall’s message was accurate about the black experience in Kentucky? No. The white lawmakers said that “such reckless statements inciting hatred based on skin color should be grounds for immediate termination.” Incitement to hatred? No. Marshall just mentioned it – from the students’ experience and his own lived truth. Racism and white supremacy still exist in our community.
Opinion: JCPS equity officer spoke the truth about racism. Now KY lawmakers want him gone.
Eradicating all discrimination in our community so that students have a sense of belonging and inclusion is everyone’s job. Recent research in Kentucky public schools tells us – and those same legislators – that building stronger, respectful and supportive diverse relationships helps every student get closer to his or her full potential.
—Chris Harmer, 40206
This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal: John Marshall Called Out Racism, Not Inciting | Letters
