Statement on Racial Equity
The Lake Erie Ink board and staff believes and acts upon the following:
Lake Erie Ink is committed to the creation of a socially just and racially equitable culture that validates and values multiple perspectives and experiences to better serve youth and impact the community. We recognize that our actions and programming can have a powerful impact on students and those in the community who work with them. We recognize the importance of inclusion and the need to reject all forms of racist discrimination as a cornerstone of our mission, vision and values.
We will advocate for and take the lead in promoting racial justice, inclusion and diversity through an organizational culture that enhances these values, including (i) a curriculum and teaching approach that recognizes the contributions and value of diverse groups; (ii) programs that encourage students to share their authentic voices, engage in creative arts and to appreciate differences and how those differences make our community stronger; and (iii) recognition of the destructive effects of individual as well as systemic racism. This approach permits LEI students to appreciate and advance our Vision that they are part of a community where they can discover their voices, share their ideas, and inspire each other as valued participants.