Medford Teachers Taking White Privilege, Systemic Racism Training

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford Public Schools and Middlesex District Attorney's office are partnering on professional development for school staff that covers systemic racism and white privilege.

"Understanding and addressing systemic racism and white privilege is a community issue that calls for education, conversation and change," Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. "I am grateful for the partnership of Dr. Edouard-Vincent, who also serves on the Middlesex County Anti-Hate, Anti-Bias Task Force and has been a part of our new Assistant District Attorney professional development training."

Training will take place Tuesday, March 2. Participants will be required to complete a reading and watch two videos that address white privilege and systemic racism. They will then be asked to reflect on this content through a virtual discussion on their own experiences and issues of racial equity in their work.

"I am so grateful that District Attorney Ryan has agreed to collaborate with us on this important professional development," Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent said in a statement. "The work the Medford Public Schools laid out over this past summer has evolved into action. We appointed an Anti-Racist Educational Task Force that meets twice a month to discuss the needs of updating our curriculum, as well as, policies and procedures within our school community. Additionally, we have made it a priority to provide professional development to our teachers and staff in order to address racist beliefs, practices and systems, as well as engage in difficult conversations that will lead to a better understanding for all."