About Us
Let it Resound Loud as the Rolling Sea
Pittsford Speak Out Against Racism (SOAR), is a grassroots community group created in May 2019 in response to the pattern of racism that Black families report experiencing within PCSD As concerned families and community members, we pledge to address the needs of our children and work to hold community leaders accountable for the progress needed to mitigate personal, structural, and institutional racism
We elected the Pittsford Board of Education leadership to set policies that prioritize student safety and prepare teachers accordingly. The Superintendent and District leadership must administer those policies. We acknowledge the pledge to take action made by Superintendent Pero on May 8, 2019:
Pero-20190508-EMAIL.pdfMission and Vision
Pittsford Speak Out Against Racism is focused on racism because of its complexity, and its pervasiveness in the Monroe County region and the need for education required to move people, structures, and institutions toward greater understanding and action. In no way does this mean that members consider other types of bigotry and non-acceptance of any less importance. Indeed, all forms of bigotry are not acceptable and need to be addressed by our community. We recognize the intersectionality of various forms of oppression and will work to address problems as they relate to racism and/or inclusion.
Pittsford Speak Out Against Racism will stand with other parent groups in advocating that all forms of marginalization—whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other causes—need to be dealt with sincerity and equity by our schools, government, and society. While our work will be focused on Pittsford, we will collaborate with other organizations, both locally and nationally, to achieve our goals.
Pittsford Speak Out Against Racism will address issues of systemic racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Pittsford Community and Schools through activism and dialogue, elevate underrepresented voices, and call for change that disrupts complacency with respect to equity, inclusion, individual and systemic racism, and bias.
We love our schools, and respect and honor our dedicated teachers. We celebrate Pittsford's diversity and the individuals who make this town a great place to reside. We know you care. We see you. We hear your plea to further develop your capacity for cultural responsiveness so all children thrive—not just survive—in schools.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Barack Obama