A Statement: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery
The Greater San Diego Math Council joins the nation in mourning the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breaonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. As we process our grief, disbelief, and sadness, we recognize that as a country we are poised to acknowledge and respond to the racism and trauma experienced by Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and all marginalized peoples. As an organization that is committed to math education as a vehicle for social justice, we echo NCTM’s statement. GSDMC does not tolerate acts of racism, hate, bias, or violence.
San Diego County has responded to this violence in protests in La Mesa and downtown San Diego, and these actions clearly highlight that structures of power and privilege are not isolated. Our students, our colleagues, our friends, and our families are all affected. As mathematics teachers and leaders it is time for action. We must “self-reflect on privileges and obstacles in our own mathematics histories, build and exchange ideas, and expand the pool of knowledge and resources by partnering with families and communities to make change” (NCSM/TODOs Joint Statement). In February 2020, GSDMC’s annual conference asked presenters to develop presentations based on a joint statement about “Mathematics Education Through the Lens of Social Justice” from the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics and TODOS Mathematics for All. On that day, participants engaged in dialogues that acknowledge the current nature of our mathematics education system, to (as written in the joint statement) “move beyond awareness to [action]… [and] set the stage for systemic and teaching innovation that will transform the math experienced in schools”. As we move forward towards a more equitable tomorrow, join GSDMC in continuing the conversations started this year. How might you move beyond awareness into action? The joint statement offers ideas for your next steps that address “Belief Systems and Structures”, “Curriculum and Instruction”, and “Partnering with Families and Communities as Resources for Math Learning”. Together, we are committed to actions that help build a more just, equitable, and humane society and we thank you for every collaboration and courageous conversation you engage towards these efforts today and every day. The Greater San Diego Math Council Executive Board Sean Nank, President Teresa McCarthy, Secretary Nancy Paulson, Vice President - Programs Jenn Carr, Vice President - Membership Cheryl Coe, Treasurer Aly Martinez, Equity and Access Board Member |
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GSDMC is a proud affiliate of
California Mathematics Council- South |
Promoting students' appreciation and competency with mathematics, and supporting educators in illuminating this vision for students...
The Greater San Diego Math Council is a tax-exempt non-profit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
