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January 8th, 2021
Important message to the citizens of the City of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio regarding the recent riots at the U.S. Capitol:
Questions raised today about a former CMSD employee’s alleged involvement in the riots at the U.S. Capitol this week have also raised questions about the District’s position on such behaviors. While CMSD deeply believes in the right of any individual to peacefully protest, as many did on the Capitol plaza on Wednesday afternoon, the District deeply condemns the actions of those involved in the riots inside the Capitol and on the Capitol grounds. The right of peaceful protest, as protected by the first amendment, is a foundation of our democracy. The forcible takeover and willful destruction of our government is not.
January 7th, 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers:
I am writing with an important message for our school community as we process the unfolding of events in Washington, D.C.
An outbreak of riots in the U.S. Capitol yesterday afternoon illuminated divisions in our nation that members of Congress pledged last night to work together to heal. In our own school community, we are prepared to support our students and families during this difficult time as well.
The disturbing images broadcast on TV left many in our school community with feelings of anger, hurt, fear and unrest. Our CMSD educators are prepared with academic lessons and social-emotional resources to assist our students in sorting through those feelings and processing an event that will long be seen as a challenge to our national conscience.
To assist our students and also our families, we have also posted a number of resources on the CMSD website for supporting children and adolescents in understanding both peaceful and violent protests and their effects on our communities. Those resources include activities that parents can do with their children and guidelines for promoting peaceful conflict resolution and ensuring social and emotional health during times of crisis.
I hope you find these resources helpful as we work together to ensure that our students feel safe and supported during this time of heightened anxiety and uncertainty.
Thank you.
Eric S. Gordon
Chief Executive Officer