The Forest Ridge community is devastated by the rise in anti-Asian racism across the country and we stand in solidarity with the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities against these terrifying and hateful acts of violence. We extend our prayers and support to our families and friends in these communities. We know that this tragedy affects you and may leave you scared, confused and frightened. To our Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander students, faculty, staff and families, please know that we are here for you and we stand with you.

As a school rooted in the Sacred Heart foundational principle of “cor unum et anima una”, meaning one heart and one soul, we believe that all people are made in the image and likeness of God and therefore must be held as equal, valued and unconditionally loved. Our mission calls us to embrace diversity as a core characteristic of our community and impels us to work as agents of change in our communities. We must continue to work together to build a stronger society for our students, where all are all respected, accepted and loved for who they are and are safe from threats of violence and persecution.

Our DEI leaders have put together resources for you to discuss with your children:

Gateway to Resources on Combating Anti-Asian Hate For our Community

• Anti-Racism Resources: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/anti-racism-resources-support-asian-american-pacific-islander-community-n1260467
• Learning for Justice: https://www.learningforjustice.org/

Teaching About AAPI Identity, History, Stories, and Anti-Asian American Hate

• Zinn Education Project: Asian Americans and Moments in People’s History (Brief profiles of people and events from Asian American and Pacific Islander people’s history)
• Social Justice Books focusing on Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander communities
• Being Anti-Racist includes acknowledging the Asian American experience (Instagram)
• Amplify Asian American Voices (Instagram)
• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: “Addressing anti-Asian racism with students”

Talking About Race, Racism, Racialized Violence, Tragedy

• Center for Racial Justice in Education: Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids (general resource for parents – being an ally)
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
• Address Anti-Asian Hate Crimes (Instagram account with links to resources)
• Embrace Race – Anti-Racism in the Covid Era
• Children’s Institute: “Talking to Children and Youth about Racism and Associated Violence” on the Children’s Institute website may be particularly helpful to families with younger children. 
• Pepperdine University: "Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others"

Responding/Taking Action against Anti-AAPI hate

• Stop AAPI Hate – with resources and safety information in multiple languages.
• Learning for Justice: How to Respond to Coronavirus Racism

If you or your student need extra support please do not hesitate to reach out our School Counselor, Hannah Moskat, at hmoskat@forestridge.org or our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinators, Dr. Maritza Tavarez-Brown at mtavarez@forestridge.org and Dr. Erika Del Villar at edelvillar@forestridge.org.

Sincerely,

Mary Rose Guerin