Over the past few weeks, we have collectively witnessed the painful realities of structural racism with the continuing murders of Black and Brown Americans. However, as Counseling In Schools (CIS) and our staff know well, structural inequities in communities of color have existed long before these moments of protest.
We want to share with you an op-ed published in The 74 written by CIS Executive Director Kevin Dahill-Fuchel about the importance of transforming schools into centers for healing, an idea that is of even greater urgency as the effects of the current health and social pandemics unfold.
The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on CIS school communities, due to racism, inadequate health care, chronic medical issues, poor nutrition, job instability and unhealthy levels of stress, have exposed the racial and social injustice of society.
We believe that CIS’ work is itself part of a heroic and historic struggle for positive social change and the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry and violence. That is why the need for schools to recognize the importance of mental health services and become centers for healing has never been greater than at this moment. The emotional well-being of children and entire school communities is integral to sustained learning and social progress.
Thank you again for your ongoing support as together we continue to advocate for the importance of schools as centers of healing to awaken the full range of possibilities in our students.
