To the Miss Porter’s School Community –

Justice was served yesterday for George Floyd and his family as former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder. Millions of us around the country and world  — Black, Brown, Indigenous and marginalized people, women, and allies of every type — breathed the sigh of relief that was denied to Mr. Floyd. 

Relief — because we have been here before and have waited for the system to work and value Black and Brown lives. The Chauvin verdict acknowledges the loss experienced by the Floyd family — and holds accountable the one ex-officer found guilty of murder — but there are countless others who have yet to see justice. There is still work to do to address police brutality and white supremacy. We must act to change the systems that allow, enable, and protect those who do not value Black and Brown lives. We also seek justice for Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Ma’Khia Bryant and the many others who experience injustice on a daily basis because of their skin color, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion.

At Porter’s, we strive to actively dismantle systematic racism, bigotry, and hatred in our small corner of the world. We do that here in Farmington in order to prepare our students for the larger world that they must shape.

While yesterday’s verdict may give us some encouragement, our work is not done. We must maintain our commitment to uphold our community call to action at all levels. We must work tirelessly to become an anti-racist institution where every member of our community feels valued. And we must stand in solidarity and do this work together. 

Miss Porter’s Leadership Team