Letter: Why Even Post?

Hello. As you all know my name is Shyger Williams and I currently work within our school district. When applying for my current position, I went through a very extensive process of interviews, plus reviewing of my application from others higher in command within our administration. With that being said, I would believe that the same criteria would be applied to any held position in district for the success of our schools. That is why I am here today speaking before you.

When working within a school district, it is very important to know that our school profession and social media platform do not go hand in hand. Though you would think that you’re allowed to use your social platform as you want, one must come to realization that you cannot and your life is now under a microscope EVERYDAY.  

Now I move to this …. Jefferson ISD mission reads:

To provide high-quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to become productive citizens in a culturally diverse and technologically advanced world.

This paragraph is the foundation of what our district/leaders should strive for concerning our youth.

It was brought to my attention that Board Member Kevin Godfrey has used his social media platform for his opinion, as everyone is entitled, but in doing so, he has expressed some concerns that have thrown red flags on his actual intentions while serving within MY children and our children’s education process. 

The post shared with me read: 

When this post was brought forth to Mr Godfrey from a Jeffersonian who felt he had overstepped his boundaries, in which seemed racially stimulated, his first reaction was to find any reason to pass the heat to the original person of post and asked the individual if they could meet to talk f2f to discuss the situation for “betterment of our community.”

Before closing his argument, he stated he only felt the need to share the original post because it was to make people aware of what their political views were as far as voting and that he knew nothing of what the term “Sambo” meant. 

So let me speed you up:

Sambo means:

1. a black person.

2. a person of mixed race, especially of black and Indian or black and European blood.

3. Sambo was a common given name among Black people during the slavery era; it was later a neutral term for a Black person. However, after World War II, an increasing sensitivity to racial stereotypes caused the term to be perceived as demeaning and insulting.

Back to you Godfrey…. I happen to find your nice little bio on our JISD site and it was pretty impressive to say the least. Upon many things listed were: 

Now Mr Godfrey looking at all your accolades/honors, it’s VERY hard for me to believe that a man of your caliber would be oblivious to what the terminology of Sambo meant right? All those accolades and you don’t know what the term Sambo means? If unaware of the term, why even post? Hmmmm….

Now as I stated previously, in our school motto, all staff/leaders should strive to provide high-quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to become productive citizens.

Though Mr Godfrey is not employed within our school district, he does hold an important seat on our school board in which my black children attend, ….my black nieces and nephews attend as well as a host of other family and friends children that attend. As a black female employee of the district, I am offended. As a person in your seat, I would think that you would know the difference between what is right and wrong. This post could’ve easily not have been shared or shared amongst your friends because as you know, I was not one of your friends so this was LITERALLY given to me. For me to see that this was publicly posted for all to see means that you wanted your view to be heard, that you did not care who’s lap it fell upon, because you currently hold a seat and you feel consequences don’t apply to you. Several people in the community have expressed your arrogance to me and I feel that you think you’re untouchable and people won’t challenge you. I’m standing before you all to say that I’m here to fight for ALL youth within our district, but situations targeting a specific race or political party are becoming a norm in our community which is starting to finagle within our children’s education/school for the worse. I’m here to tell you that I’m tired of the divide within our community. 

It’s outside individuals like yourself that come in and promise this great talk but post things unjustifiable like that, in which hurt our community.

With making that post did you actually think you were proving to our youths that you care???

Have you not seen the number of Jeffersonians pulling their children to attend in other surrounding school districts because of experiencing unfair treatment?

You don’t know what’s actually going on… you sit within your comfy office in a seat behind a desk and you’re only open to what benefits you. 

I feel that this post was tasteless and it attached our school district as a whole to your mess, in which I will always stand up to clear my name when it pertains to trash.

I’m not sure of what the outcome will be upon your seat, but after hearing that others on your board disagree with your views, there’s no way you should be able continue to hold it. 

As you can see I’m DONE with excuses. 

I’m praying for our children, our school district, and our community as a whole because we’re living in sad times. The only way to approach things now is for people to start speaking up for what they believe in because our youth deserve it. 

The change starts NOW within this building.

I will not be silenced.

I will forever continue to do my part….. because I have three that are depending on me. 

Thank you.

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