June 1, 2020

Dear Crowley ISD family,

I have struggled to come up with the right combination of words to address the range of emotions I have experienced and am experiencing over the last week in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, and quite frankly, throughout my life as an African American male in America. This video captured what I believe is the worst of what our country should be about and is in direct conflict to the ideals of our democracy. As I recognize that we all have multiple roles we fill, I am writing to you as Superintendent of Schools in Crowley ISD, and I must admit that it is difficult for me to detach my personal experience and past history with situations of this nature from the message that I bring to you.

As Superintendent of Schools, I would like to go on record to say that the actions and behaviors of the officers involved in this incident were wrong, criminal and should never be tolerated in a civilized society that is built on the principles of justice, fairness and equity for all. As a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and as an American, I am outraged. The video of Mr. Floyd’s death is a gut-wrenching reminder to me of many traumatic episodes I experienced as a youth, and as a result, I know that the families and students we are charged to serve through education have been deeply impacted as well. 

One of the motivating factors that led me into the educational field was my desire to impact social injustices and to make our society a more just one for all. I believe that education is a tool of social mobility that should be available to all in a thriving democracy. I believe that diversity is a strength and an asset for our society. These guiding principles of equity and excellence in education are also the cornerstones on which Crowley ISD and our Vision 2025 strategic plan has been built. Our school board has been courageous in its stance on ensuring excellence for all and, as a result, our vision and mission is clear.     

Our mission in Crowley ISD is to ensure that we have thriving students, an engaged community and an empowered staff. It is episodes like the ones that have occurred recently that reinforce the nobility of our cause, the importance of our mission and the relevancy of our Vision 2025 strategic plan.   

Crowley ISD is one of the most diverse districts in Tarrant County, and our greatest aspiration is that when students leave us via graduation that they will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and experiences to thrive in society and that they will leave us with choices and opportunities and more than a high school diploma. However, as adults in America, and educators in our schools, it is our responsibility to ensure that systems, policies, programs and practices do not betray the principles we aspire to believe in. The people we are charged to help, to serve and to support must have a genuine belief in the fact that they are valued, they are heard and they are seen. Many educators in Crowley ISD do these things naturally and on a daily basis, and to you all I simply say, thank you for being a part of the solution.

However, in the recent episodes, unfortunately we have seen that those in position of authority that were charged with the responsibility to protect, to serve and to support have actually failed in this effort.   

I believe in the goodness, dignity and decency of people and of systems, even if this current episode presents a contrary picture. I also accept the responsibility for ensuring that our systems and the culture within our institution is one that is welcoming of all and inclusive of the needs of a diverse population and operates in alignment with the principles set forth by the Board of Trustees. In Crowley ISD, we must continue to intentionally celebrate diversity, promote cultural understanding and address inequities in a systematic and strategic way. 

The situations that we have seen in the media of late and those of the past have been the result of institutional racism, fear and hate, and I believe that the weapon of mass destruction against these ails is within our hands and within our reach. We must redouble our efforts to do our part to ensure all students have access to the highest quality educational experiences possible so that their choices and opportunities for success after high school and within society are enhanced. In addition, as leaders who are in responsible positions within the organization we serve, we must be conscious of the fact that what we do what we say, and what we don’t do and don’t say matters. We do not have the right to remain silent in the face of injustice and inequity. As agents of the system, our commitment and focus must be on changing the system and ensuring equity for all. The power and sustainability of our democracy, our country and our status in the world is dependent upon nothing less. 

We can do better as leaders, we can do more as adults, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure a better society, better state, better community, better city and a better school system for our students. 

I encourage you to create avenues where discussion and dialogue can occur about racial and social justice in your sphere of influence. Start affecting change where you are. Start the conversation. We must all commit to becoming more conscious about social justice and the systems and institutional practices that oftentimes conflict with the values on which we stand. That is, if we expect others to believe in the systems we promote. We stop riots by starting conversations, we end looting by being intentional about listening, we curtail agitation by ensuring intentional and authentic action is taken to meet needs of those we are called to serve. 

I challenge you to get involved in initiatives locally within the community that advance racial and social justice. As leaders and educators, we must organize and connect with others regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. We must connect based on the common cause of the common good and the principles of equity, justice and equality. I implore you to commit to identifying needs in our local communities and take action to make things better. The time is now for us to act. We have a responsibility to do something. We are educators, and we do not have a right to remain silent. We start by educating ourselves so that we can be adequately equipped to educate others. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? 

With a grieving heart and a hopeful mind,

Dr. Michael D. McFarland
Superintendent of Schools, Crowley ISD