Ally Collins calls for action on racism in SFUSD schools

At a recent San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) board meeting, former educator and parent Ally Collins delivered a powerful message about the urgent need for equity and safety in schools. Collins, who has two graduates from SFUSD, emphasized that all students deserve an educational environment that is physically, emotionally, and culturally safe.

Collins recounted her experience serving on the board three years ago, where student representatives pushed for an equity audit to address hate speech and discrimination within the district. She highlighted the troubling dismantling of this audit, which left many community members, including Black equity audit committee members, feeling unsupported and targeted.

Despite claims from Superintendent Wayne and the board that they do not tolerate racism, Collins criticized a recent survey that forced families to choose between equity and excellence in education, calling it a "false choice." She asserted that excellent schools should inherently reject racism and discrimination, insisting that students should not have to endure racial harassment to receive a quality education.

In a poignant moment, Collins questioned the board's commitment to the Black community, especially on the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. She urged the board to take meaningful action to address the historical neglect and exclusion faced by African American students and families in the district.

Collins concluded her remarks with a call for unity and collaboration, expressing her hope that the board would work together with the community to create a truly progressive and inclusive educational environment in San Francisco. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding equity in education, highlighting the need for immediate and decisive action from district leaders.