Dear Families,
Discrimination based on factors like race, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status are pervasive throughout society. Schools are no exception. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) Student Affairs Office is aware of a video of a Martha’s Vineyard Public School (MVYPS) student using hateful and discriminatory language that started circulating on social media last week. The incident has been investigated and addressed in accordance with the current MVYPS anti-bias and anti-discrimination policy. We recognize the need to avoid racist words and actions and be collectively proactive to prevent them from occurring.
MVYPS is committed to addressing discriminatory grievances providing prompt corrective and restorative action if discrimination, harassment, or bullying is found to have occurred and disrupted the school environment. The policy statement is outlined below.
MVYPS POLICY STATEMENT
MVYPS believes for a school community to be truly healthy, it must be guided by the values of multicultural inclusion, respect, and equality, and it must provide a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment in which all students can thrive and succeed in its schools. MVYPS prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homeless status and ensures that all students have equal rights of access and equal enjoyment of the opportunities, advantages, privileges, and courses of study available at the MVYPS. For the full policy click here.
We must work together to acknowledge, interrupt, and stand against racism, bigotry, and hatred. MVYPS is committed to taking action to combat individual and systemic racism with our staff and our students through a variety of activities and initiatives. We denounce racism and hatred in all of its forms and strive to make diversity, belonging, inclusion and equity central to all aspects of the school’s operations.
Thank you and please reach out to us with any questions and concerns.
Sara Dingledy, MVRHS Principal
Richard Smith, MVYPS Superintendent