January 20, 2022

The incident that occurred at the recent Capital High School basketball game against River Ridge is evidence that racism is still a horrible reality in our community and is extremely harmful to our children. We must not and will not tolerate racism in North Thurston Public Schools or against our staff or students.

While we recognize the apology from Olympia School District and Capital High School’s effort to assign appropriate consequences to their student who made the racist remarks, the harm cannot be undone.

We must continue to work together as a community to confront racism and treat each other with respect and kindness. Restorative justice, as is being proposed in the Capital High School incident, is a step forward when others are harmed.

North Thurston Public Schools also remains committed to creating caring climates based on respect, responsibility, and repair of harm. Our theme this year is “Including Everyone” as we strive to provide all students with access to high quality, inclusive, and safe learning environments.

Next month is African American History Month. Let’s use this time to celebrate the contributions and recognize the struggles of African Americans in our country, while also continuing conversations around racism, social justice, and equity. Together, we need to lean in, listen, and learn to help build empathy and compassion for one another.

“Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

-North Thurston Public Schools