Montessori Discovery School

MDS and the Movement for Black Lives

Dear MDS community,

We write today to affirm MDS’s commitment to the ongoing struggle for social justice with the necessary and specific emphasis on racism, crystalized in the rallying cry Black Lives Matter. As American Montessori Society President Amira Mogaji insists, “Now is the time for us to be intentionally anti-racist, and to denounce and call out injustices that are occurring right before our eyes – injustices that impact the students, parents, staff members, and schools within our community, and in some cases determine whether they live or die. It’s time to stand for, and with, justice.” 

Today we must recognize that we cannot fully pursue MDS’s mission to “nurture joyful learners who confidently engage their world” without addressing the racism and implicit biases that persist in this world. Principles of inclusion, diversity, access, and service must form the foundation of every strategic plan we create going forward. MDS’s board, its administration, and our teachers will continue to grow, to educate themselves, and be ready to do more to foster an actively anti-racist and intentionally inclusive learning environment. As a community, we will come together to do this necessary work.

“Establishing lasting peace,” Maria Montessori asserts, “is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” As we look forward now, “lasting” is the operative word. Indeed, education is at the center of this struggle. Our deepest yearnings for equity, justice, and peace must start with a commitment first to our own transformation, and that is where MDS will begin.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Breault
President, MDS Board of Trustees

Patrice Champagne
MDS Head of School