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Message About Racism and Inequity

Message About Racism and Inequity

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) stands with its members and community against racism, oppression, and the atrocities of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others. As a result, protests are happening in response to that injustice, and we voice our collective pain, quest, and demands for social justice and equity across all communities and schools.

Our CEC core values clearly outline our “commitment to diversity, care, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.” And today, we reaffirm our commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equity as we strive to be there for our students and special education professionals— many of whom are from diverse communities. We know how difficult this time is, and we are with you. We know first-hand how such traumatic and horrifying experiences can impact teaching and learning environments. In addition to our personal experiences, we see it through the eyes of our children and youth daily.

CEC will continue to uphold the values of inclusion and equity and support all of our members, volunteers, staff, and the students with exceptionalities we serve. In line with our strategic plan, we will be appointing a work group made up of members and outside experts to design and provide professional learning experiences that will impact equitable outcomes and better support children and youth with exceptionalities, as well as special education professionals. This is a charge to ensure that we continue to progress as a special education field. We hear our community and we are with you carrying the torch of equity, inclusion, and social justice.

We are ALL in this together.

Jennifer Lesh, President
Council for Exceptional Children

Tisa Aceves, Board Member
Tachelle Banks, Board Member
Mary Lynn Boscardin, Past President
Yvonne Bui, Treasurer
Dennis Cavitt, President Elect
Rosalind Hall, Board Member
William Hunter, Board Member
Laural Jackson, Board Member
Danielle Kovach, Board Member
Diana Morales, Board Member
Cindy Perras, Board Member
Chad Rummel, Executive Director
Charmion Rush, Board Member
Kareem Thompson, Board Member
Ben Tillotson, Board Member
Mitchell Yell, Board Member
Paul Zinni, Board Member

Posted:  4 June, 2020
Category:
Jennifer Lesh headshot
Author: Jennifer J. Lesh, Ph.D.

Treasurer, 2023-2025
Associate Professor, Exceptional Student Education
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Read more from Jennifer J. Lesh, Ph.D.

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