Wellesley High handed out One Wellesley bracelets to students on the first day of school after Principal Jamie Chisum gave a serious talk about efforts to address racism within the school system and broader community.
Chisum concluded his talk saying: “I want you to know I believe in your ability to make this place safer, more welcoming and even better than it already is. I’ve seen so much good in this school during my 17 years here that I firmly believe, as a friend of mine has taught me, the voices of love will be far louder and greater in number than any voices of hate. I’m giving you these bracelets so you can be reminded that it isn’t just the outward shows of support and solidarity that matter, but what you do when no one is looking. I want you to think about this incident and my words today when none of the adults in your life are watching. I know the faculty and I can’t change this culture on our own. We need your deliberate, repetitive, and active help. With that help, this is going to be an amazing year filled with new connections and learning far beyond our classroom walls. I want Wellesley High School to be known for its inclusivity and equity. I want us to truly breathe life into our core values of respect for human differences, commitment to community, and cooperative and caring relationships for as long as this school exists.”
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