New Rush Hall Group response to George Floyd’s murder

Dear Parent/Carer/Pupil/Staff,

There will be many of you having watched the news this week in horror and disbelief, questioning how such an unnecessary, heartless and outright racist act has happened yet again. New Rush Hall Group stands in unity with all those feeling pain, anger and outrage about the brutal murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week. As a group, we stand hand in hand with black students, staff and families, and recommit to valuing diversity and to fighting inequality and discrimination on all levels.

We are proud of the courage and integrity of our students and staff in exercising a right to make their voices heard whether by demonstrating this past week in London, having conversations with friends and family or even just taking time to reflect and contemplate what has occurred.

We recognise the enormous emotional suffering and rage caused world-wide by George Floyd’s death and by the attention it draws to wider inequality and injustice in Britain as well as elsewhere around the world.  We will do everything we can to support all our students, parents/carers and staff during this very difficult time. If any of the events over the last few weeks has impacted you, your families and friends, please do not hesitate to get in contact with staff who will listen and provide you with an opportunity to talk about your concerns and offer guidance and support.

We want to expand on opportunities to experience the kind of compassion that brings increased respect for humanity and promotes equality for all.  We will plan for further support when students return to school, and we will look more specifically at our teaching and learning opportunities in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion so we can all be actively anti-racist and speak out against racism in all forms.

‘Yes, racism looks like hate, but hate is just one manifestation. Privilege is another. Access is another. Ignorance is another. Apathy is another. And so on. So, while I agree with people who say no one is born racist, it remains a powerful system that we’re immediately born into’

                                                                          – Scott Woods, author

Communities across the world are coming together in solidarity. I have no doubt that New Rush Hall Group pupils, parents/carers and staff will take pride in doing the same.

Yours sincerely