A Resolution Denouncing Racism and White Supremacy, and Supporting Equity, Wellbeing and the Safety of Black People and #BlackLivesMatter

WHEREAS, since our nation's inception, institutional and structural racism and injustice, namely the malignancy and toxicity that is white supremacy, have led to deepening racial disparities across all sectors of society and have lasting negative consequences for our communities, cities, and nation, robbing countless lives and futures of people of color in the process; and 

WHEREAS, historically, when Black people have fought for a more democratic society, the lives of all people have improved and, conversely, each time barriers to Black people's potential and humanity have been erected, our whole society has suffered; and 

WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a Black resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was murdered in police custody after a police officer knelt on Mr. Floyd's neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds while Mr. Floyd was handcuffed, lying face down, pleading that he couldn't breathe; and 

WHEREAS, the continued and unacceptable loss of Black lives, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Nina Pop, and so many others call upon us to be visible in our outrage and, more importantly, in our resolve to work for change; and 

WHEREAS, police use of excessive and militarized force, particularly against Black people, are among the most serious ongoing human rights and civil liberties violations in the United States and have led to a decrease in public safety and the exacerbation of structural inequities; and 

WHEREAS, our public schools are facilitators of the limitless growth potential of all people, with the charge to instill in our youth a belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, be 

valued for their humanity, and be treated ethically; and 

WHEREAS, it is essential to teach the experiences, honor the history, and highlight the contributions of Black people through Ethnic Studies, while ensuring that every Black person has the social, economic, and political power to thrive; and 

WHEREAS, stating that #BlackLivesMatter does not negate our commitment to all members of our community, but rather elevates the importance of the lives of Black people, whose lives have historically been oppressed by our society, by white supremacy, and affirming that their lives, specifically, matter; and 

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a disproportionate physical, mental, and financial toll on Black, Brown and Indigenous communities; and 

WHEREAS, Black community members continue to experience microaggressions, racial profiling, hate incidents, and racial bias in all systems and institutions that they encounter, including our school district; and 

WHEREAS, discrimination, bias and racist incidents against Black, Brown, and Indigenous students harm them mentally, physically, and academically; and 

WHEREAS, we believe that silence and inaction by individuals and institutions perpetuate 

injustice, bias, and racism; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, the Yolo County Board of Education stands firmly against bigotry, prejudice, discrimination and inequity in all forms, both institutional and individual; 

As protests surge in our local community and beyond, the Yolo County Board of Education wishes to affirm its commitment to the wellbeing and safety of Black community members and let them know they are not alone and that our district stands in solidarity with them and their struggle for justice; 

1. 1. The Yolo County Board of Education denounces discrimination, racism, and sentiments against Black people. We will not tolerate racist treatment of any members of our community, and we will speak out against racism and systemic oppression in our society to help stop the spread of
2. 2. The Yolo County Board of Education joins cities, counties, and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our Black community and in combating hate crimes and biases in our government systems. 
3. 3. The Yolo County Board of Education will increase its efforts to provide a safe and welcoming school environment for all students, working with the County of Yolo, community non-profits, and other government agencies. 
4. 4. The Yolo County Board of Education will confront the biases in our own school districts and actively engage in the challenging work of dismantling the problematic practices that are limiting the opportunities for our Black, Brown and Indigenous students. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Yolo County Board of Education proudly declares that Black Lives Matter and the Yolo County Board of Education joins the movement to fight for freedom, liberation, and justice for the Black community; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Yolo County Board of Education is committed to providing safe spaces for discussions on race and injustice, including the work of the Black Lives Matter Global Network; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Yolo County Board of Education is committed to restorative justice practices, implicit bias training, Ethnic Studies, and resources that foster dialogue around the guiding principles of #BlackLivesMatter; and 

FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yolo County Board of Education will work tirelessly and collaboratively with staff, students, and families to dismantle institutionalized racism in our society and school districts. 

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of June 2020, by the following vote: AYES: Moreno, Souza Cole, Taylor, Yip, Zendejas NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None 

Cul Smilele 

Sarth hews 

Carol Souza Cole, President Yolo County Board of Education 

Garth Lewis Yolo County Superintendent of Schools