Dear STCS Parents/Guardians and Members of Our School Community,
We want to address an incident from the Heritage away football game at Midland on Thursday, September 3, and images from that evening that have circulated online.
The images show a student with athletic eye black spread across his face in a manner that resembles what is commonly known as blackface. We recognize the painful history associated with blackface and understand why these images have caused hurt, anger, disappointment, and concern within our community. To the students and families who have been impacted, we want you to know that we hear you, we take your concerns seriously, and we are committed to working with you.
Since the incident, school administration has worked to understand what occurred and speak with those involved. We also recognize that our community expects timely communication during difficult moments, and we are committed to responding more quickly while ensuring the information we share is accurate.
Our review determined that the student did not engage in the behavior with the intent to cause racial harm. However, intent does not erase impact. Young people will make mistakes, and part of our responsibility as educators is helping them understand the history, meaning, and consequences their choices can carry.
That responsibility also belongs to the adults. We have heard concerns about whether we could have communicated sooner, as well as whether expectations in our student handbook and disciplinary procedures were applied appropriately and consistently. Those concerns deserve our attention. We are examining our own response and what we can do differently moving forward.
Federal student privacy law limits what we can share publicly about disciplinary actions involving an individual student. What we can and will share are the actions STCS takes as a district. Those efforts will include restorative practices, accountability, and additional education around race, stereotypes, bias, and the impact our choices can have on others. Just as importantly, we want to strengthen a culture where students and adults feel both empowered and responsible to speak up when something does not reflect the dignity and respect we expect in our schools.
Creating that culture cannot be the responsibility only of those who experience hurt or discrimination. It belongs to all of us.
This work also comes as STCS begins the early stages of developing a new strategic plan. Students, families, staff, and community members will have opportunities to share their voices and help shape the values, priorities, and expectations that guide our district forward.
Strong school communities are willing to listen, learn, and grow, especially when the conversations are difficult. We want STCS to be a place where people feel heard, where adults lead by example, where expectations are clear and consistent, where communication is open, and where every student knows they belong.
If you have questions or would like to request a meeting, please contact my office at (989) 399-8044.
Sincerely,
Jamie Kraatz
Superintendent
Saginaw Township Community Schools