During the past week, we have seen the devastating impact racism has in our country and across the globe. The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many other unarmed Black people as a result of police brutality have shaken us to our core. These senseless acts also made us look closer at the racist, oppressive, and systemic inequities that have plagued our country for centuries. The Association for the Gifted, a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC-TAG), acknowledges and condemns these racial injustices and stands with our members in supporting causes, affecting policy changes, and informing practices to address these issues. The powerful and positive protests happening all across the globe are proof that humanity still exists and reminds us of the importance of standing together in solidarity.
As TAG reaffirms our commitment to embracing diversity, equity, access, and social justice in gifted education, it is imperative we support all gifted students, gifted education professionals, and allies in the process. We know these horrific and unjust acts can affect the teaching, learning, and leadership Black students and traditionally marginalized students need in schools. CEC-TAG is here for you. We care about your well-being and the well-being of our students and stakeholders as we move towards positive reform to address systemic inequities.
CEC-TAG will build upon our more than 60 years of efforts to embrace and advance diversity, equity, and access. We will use our collective voice to advocate and support gifted educators and leaders, university personnel, policymakers, and stakeholders in the fight again systemic racism and oppressive actions against Black students and other traditionally marginalized students. For the past year, TAG’s Diversity, Equity, and Access Committee has worked tirelessly on a tool to support racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically different students. In the coming weeks, we will release this resource entitled,
A Call to Action: Supporting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Gifted Students
. It provides recommendations for taking action to support Black and traditionally marginalized students in gifted and advanced level programs. CEC-TAG believes this is a fight for all of us and we are ALL in this together.
Below are additional tools to support this cause:
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
The Association for the Gifted
Council for Exceptional Children
