As the Superintendent of King’s Way Christian School, what have I learned and how can I grow from the horrible incident of racism and cruelty to David Moore?
As I look back and review my prayers and actions since learning about the racist event in our student section at last week’s soccer game, I wish I’d done more initially. I am encouraging the former King’s Way student responsible for the incident to accept responsibility and to apologize to David.
In my reflection, a few main points surfaced, including:
- What David Moore experienced is appalling and should not be tolerated. King’s Way rejects racism and cruelty to others. David, on behalf of King’s Way I am sorry you experienced racism on our campus.
- Put aside defensiveness. Listen to understand. Listen, empathize, and ask God for forgiveness and clarity.
- Do not let the focus broaden. Reputation is secondary. The narrative does not matter initially. The social-emotional well-being of the victim is the highest priority. Does David Moore feel safe? If not, why not? The details are secondary to the priority. The focus is that a racial slur happened without question. Now, how is David?! Is he ok? Sure, other details may come to light that may or may not strengthen one’s opinion or position, but for now, those details can distract people’s well-being.
- Now is the time to have conversations. Once racism is acknowledged, owned, and condemned, now what? How can we learn and grow as individuals and an organization? What opportunities are ahead of us for purposeful actions leading to growth? How can we align ourselves and others towards sustainable recognition and change?
- Details may include “agree to disagree” moments; however, I know all of us can agree on one salient point: David Moore was racially attacked.
Our non-discrimination policy is stated on our website and is very clear: we do not discriminate. King’s Way is, will be, and should always be an inclusive place for everyone.
When I reflect and discern God’s truth regarding racism and cruelty to others, the Lord takes me to the book of Matthew: “Jesus spoke and said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”