The 1920âs called, they want their domestic policy back.
Parkrose Middle School in Portland, Oregon is promoting segregation amongst its families. In an email sent to parents, the school invited black families to join what they are calling a âBlack Family Socialâ event. The event took place on February 23, and advertised free soul food, haircuts, dance, raffles, and more.
The event appears to be an annual occurrence, dating back as early as 2017. Black families are encouraged to join as a âculture to network togetherâ and learn about supporting African American students. There is no recommendation for families of other racial backgrounds to participate.
Some parents pushed back against the event, as they believe it causes unnecessary division within the diverse Parkrose community. âIt's hard enough as it is to meet and make friends,â one parent told us, â especially if you can't or don't engage in after-school programs. Parties and events tend to intrigue my kids and they almost always want to go. But not being allowed to go, merely based on the color of their skin, breaks my heart.â
Parkrose Middle School seems to have a history of encouraging divisiveness. The school library contains a few âanti-racistâ books, such as Stamped and Me and White Supremacy. Stamped, co-authored by radical leftist Imbram X. Kendi, details the history of âracist and anti-racist ideas in America.â It also contains chapters on how Donald Trump and the Founding Fathers are racist. Me and White Supremacy promises to take the readers on a step-by-step journey to do the work of âunderstanding their white privilege and participation in white supremacy.â
In previous years, Parkrose Middle Schoolers had a door decorating contest to celebrate Black History Month. Students decorated the halls with an array of Black Lives Matter slogans and symbols. Principal Annette Sweeney documented her support on social media, tweeting, âIâm so impressed by our students! They did an incredible job with our Black History Month door decorating contest!â She also encouraged students to celebrate âBlack History Spirit Weekâ by dressing up in the colors yellow, green and red.
In 2021, the Parkrose school district tweeted its support for the âWe Walk: Black Walking Initiative.â The walking program was created to highlight the need for Black people to feel safe walking in public and help them âreclaim their space.â Participants were encouraged to walk throughout the Portland area during the month of February and share their experiences via social media.
The Parkrose school district has a diverse student body, with a majority of its students being part of minority communities. For a district with such racial and cultural diversity, it would benefit the schools to unite their students by highlighting what makes them similar, rather than separating them by their differences. Families across racial backgrounds should be able to participate in school events and benefit equally from the resources the school has to offer.
The Parkrose School District and Parkrose Middle School did not respond to Libs of TikTokâs request for comment.