Dr. Devon Horton, Evanston/Skokie District 65 superintendent, and former IPS superintendent finalist, accused a few parents in his district of having “white supremacist thinking.” This accusation is in response to emails from those parents who expressed concern about having no in-person option for their children.
In response to those concerns, Horton said:
In the world that we live in, I’m sure that you have not had to reflect on your white supremist (sic) thinking and way of life. White Supremacy is no longer the white hooded villain attempting to cause physical harm. You make personal attacks towards me because we are not giving you what you want. I suggest you look in the mirror and reflect on who you are and how you are presenting yourself to an African American leader. I refuse to sit back and be assaulted about my decision making to not return to in person learning especially when the undertone is outright racists.
The reason Horton has decided to keep students remote is because of the demographics of his district. He stated that the coronavirus is impacting families of color more, and for their safety, he planned to keep students remote to prevent them from contracting the virus at school.
What is not clear is how the school district is supporting students while they are learning remotely. I also wonder if parents of color would agree that keeping their children online is the best option.
Most school districts are offering both online and in-person options or a hybrid options. Parents in the Evanston/Skokie district do not have that option. If parents of color demanded an in-person option, would Horton, “unapologetically” (the word he used with his signature on his response) keep the same stance?