In JKHA middle school in small Zoom breakout rooms with faculty, students discussed George Floyd’s death at the hands of the police while exploring a larger discussion defining prejudice, systemic racism and white privilege. Students engaged with these challenging issues, broadening their worldview as they discussed current events and the importance of applying the division’s KushnerCares values—community, accountability, respect, empathy and self-awareness—to all aspects of their lives they seek to stop racism and injustice in the world.

In addition to their classroom discussions, all of RKYHS came together to discuss the tragic killing of George Floyd and the subsequent social unrest. Head of School Rabbi Rubin addressed the students, provided concrete ways to make a difference and offered lessons that can be gleaned from the events. He discussed the role of the surrounding vocal bystanders and impressed upon the students the impact that indifference and apathy can have. It is each student’s responsibility to know when something is unequivocally wrong and to stand up. Rabbi Rubin conveyed that it is not enough to be a non-racist, and introduced the concept of being anti-racist, refusing to accept hatred and violence. They must be proactive and respond to racism when they see or hear it. He implored them to not let the subsequent rioting mask the real issues and not to malign the entire police force. He asked the students to appreciate the humanity of others and to look for the “good news” stories that are often overlooked for the more sensational news coverage.

As a school, RKYHS strives to come together to look for ways to neutralize racism in the school and the community, and have already embarked on this journey as the school will welcome lawyer and CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers to continue the discussion.