Statement from Todd Mann, Executive Director of Magnet Schools of America
I am deeply disturbed by the Minneapolis police’s murder of George Floyd. His murder – alongside that of so many other Black Americans, including most recently Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery – was senseless, and rooted in our country’s history of systemic racism and discrimination against Black people and other people of color.
Let me be clear about where Magnet Schools of America stands: Black lives matter to us. Our work must assert this and must be steadfast in its opposition to the organizations and systems that repeatedly invalidate and dehumanize Black people in this country. During this tumultuous time, we must collectively recommit to our mission as an organization to reduce racial segregation and be an agent of equity in the public school system. Diversity is the first pillar of magnet schools because we know that students who learn in classrooms with those who are different from themselves are better able to build empathy, respect, collaboration and cultural understanding. It is our job to shape a new generation of compassionate leaders.
The tragedy of George Floyd’s murder is unfortunately not new to the American story. As educators, we can come together in this moment to hold tough conversations surrounding race and privilege, and stand up to racist acts big and small. Together, we can help build a more equitable world – starting in our very own classrooms.
In solidarity,
Todd S. Mann
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Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
