BURLINGAME – CTA President Eric Heins issued the following statement offering resources and support for students, educators and families in our communities to address and engage in the national dialogue around racism, hate and bias as we all wade through the aftermath of recent events in Charlottesville that is causing so much pain and concern nationwide:

“As we start the new school year with lesson plans partly about community citizenship and the core values of our democracy, we are now all confronted with the deplorable hate crimes and violence that rocked the community of Charlottesville. The racism, bigotry and hate on display by the white supremacists who marched last week and by the leaders who failed to condemn it must never be accepted. Discussions around race are never easy, but it’s up to us as educators and parents to help our children cope with the fear, hurt and vitriol hate is creating in our hearts that can be troubling to process as adults, let alone for children. These young ones are looking to us for clarity and comfort. Every student deserves to feel welcome, supported and valued.

“As part of CTA’s social justice campaign, we’ve developed a social justice toolkit offering tips, lesson plans and materials, including how to report hate incidents. Please also use the resources provided by the National Education Association to help students, teachers and families unite against hate. The California Department of Education provides information about the state’s landmark legislation that created strong protections for transgender students.”

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The 325,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.