Dear Culver City Unified School District Students, Staff and Families,
In the wake of yet another unspeakable act of hate and bigotry, the entire CCUSD family is committed to standing firm against discrimination and hate in all of its forms. We will continue to work hard to make sure that in our district and throughout our community every person has the freedom to be who they are, love who they choose and live each day without fear of reprisal for simply being themselves.
I want to share with you, too, the following message from L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, who has been a strong ally in the battle against hate and bigotry:
We are deeply saddened by the deaths and injuries at Club Q, and mourn alongside the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado Springs, CO. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those affected by this act of violence. This tragedy is especially heartbreaking as it occurred just a day before Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance that honors the memory of people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence, and just a month after National Coming Out Day.
LACOE is committed to fostering environments where love leads and where children and adults can be their authentic selves without fear. Visibility, connection, and belonging matter in all spaces. Our children are watching and learning from us. We must stand firmly and unwaveringly on the side of love, diversity, understanding, peace, and justice. Please join us in condemning this heinous act of hate. Consider visiting the LACOE OUT for Safe Schools webpage and the National Child Traumatic Stress network for resources to support children and educators in the aftermath of this tragedy.
As an education community we must continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the fundamental ideals that will create a better world for our children and ourselves.
Be well,
Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools
I look forward to the day when messages like this no longer need to be shared.
Quoc Tran
Superintendent
