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Damian’s June Address
On Monday, June 1, the day after graduation for our Class of 2020, Head of School Damian Jones sent this letter to our parents and students.
Dear Burke Community,
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These have been difficult days.
For the past six nights, we have witnessed the images of George Floyd’s tragic death, and we have heard news coverage of the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. We have watched the ensuing protests in reaction to this string of senseless losses of life. While many people are grappling with critical questions, like how to seek just and fair treatment in response to these incidents, some are asking what justice means within communities of color – and this particular question takes on deep and historical significance for many in the African American community.
What is most challenging is that, at the same time that African Americans are dealing with anxiety, stress, and pain, these moments are compounded by the disproportionate loss of life in communities of color due to COVID-19. As I’ve shared over the course of these past weeks, several of our community members have lost close relatives due to the pandemic.
For many students of color at Burke, we must exercise great care in how we handle these matters. We must be fully present, support them, and exercise the patience that they require at this time.
We also need to listen more carefully to these students, and we need to be more fully present when conversations arise regarding these difficulties and reassure our students that they are safe and there is space for them to talk when they are ready.
Throughout this week, we welcome and encourage all of our students to participate in affinity group meetings, to speak with their advisors, and to talk with adults they know and trust at Burke. As conversations take place through this week, we will be paying close attention to our students – exploring what they are feeling and discussing how best to support them. Students can expect to receive more details by the end of the day tomorrow.
As we near the end of this very challenging school year, we will do so with the patience and care our students require at this time. Please hold your children tight and remind them of your own availability to talk through all the issues impacting our country.
Warm regards,
Damian R. Jones Head of School
