Closing this chapter: some news and gratitude for our community. https://t.co/GOrE8rTvZf

We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and all those who are fighting against systems of white supremacy and racism. https://t.co/689cCXOsHM

Thank you. Thank you @vivettdukes for hosting this critical conversation. Thank you to everyone who joined and shared your voice about the response to racism. We love you. #SafeSpaceConvos

@vivettdukes “The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy” -bell hooks White folx can help make change by being vocal, by realizing we're going to screw up, but learning in public + private + by continuing on reflectively + without fragility + defensiveness.

@vivettdukes A6: (2/2) Yet, something should be said to let students and coworkers know that they are seen and valued. Statements as simple as “I see you” and “you matter” can have a huge impact on a person’s sense of worth and bring comfort. #safespaceconvos

Q7: Share an encouraging word, a hope, a commitment...or whatever is in your heart. #safespaceconvos

Q6: What messages might the silence of White teachers about police brutality send to their students , their studnets’ families, and colleagues? #safespaceconvos

@vivettdukes Q5: Yes. The same issues that plague society plague workplaces and schools. The communication needs to happen. “Diversity” and “inclusion” have become buzzwords, but they need to have real meaning. They need life. #safespaceconvos

@vivettdukes A5: Racism is systemic in schools. It’s in our curriculums, our suspension/detention/kicked out of class data, our test scores. It is unacceptable for schools to not be having conversations about race b/c race impacts each of our Ss. #safespaceconvos

Q5: Should these conversations [about race] be held in schools and other workplace environments? Why or why not? #safespaceconvos

@vivettdukes I think our conversations + our work has been somewhat abstract to this point. Racism was something "out there" rather than all around us everyday. When we don't take our own responsibility, it's hard to stay committed when we're challenged. #SafeSpaceConvos

Q4: Do you address racism in your classroom? If yes, how? If no, why not? #safespaceconvos

Q3: What sentiments, if any, have been expressed in your school community by white teachers about the murder of George Floyd? Breonna Taylor? Ahmaud Arbery? #SayTheirNames #safespaceconvos

Q2: What is the racial demographic of both students and teachers at your school/district? #safespaceconvos

#SafeSpaceConvos is underway. All are invited to join this conversation about responding to racism as a white educator.

During our chat tonight, I ask that we remain passionate, yet humane and respectful. Use the Q1/A1 format. Include the #safespaceconvos hashtag in your comments. Now that the norms have been established, let’s begin. Q1 is coming up!

Hello! This is @meredithbortz signing on for team Sevenzo, a nonprofit connecting teachers to create more caring learning environments. #SafeSpaceConvos

Welcome to #safespaceconvos! Please introduce yourself. I am @vivettdukes . I teach ELA in NYC. Thanks for being here.

Join us for #SafeSpaceConvos. Getting started now! Follow @vivettdukes for the questions.