We at LEANLAB are appalled at the ongoing oppression, racism and brutality endemic to our nation. We are reeling at the unnecessary and brutal demonstration of force from our local and national leadership. We know that black lives matter, and we stand in solidarity. And we will not stand down. Now--we must center the narrative on our black and brown families, elevate their voices, and build the future of education together. We--especially those of us who are not black--must cultivate radical inclusion, a radical love that works toward action.
We know that education is a vehicle toward liberation, and we founded LEANLAB under the urgent belief that when those closest to the issues of inequity in education--parents, students, teachers--especially those of color--collectively build our education tools, services and systems of the future, our young people will thrive. Now, more than ever, must we invest in a more just future--and that future is dependent on the education of our children.
Our core value of equity reads:
“Inequities in education persist. We work unapologetically to create just circumstances from which innovations are born.”
Today, we will not live in fear, but take these words into action.
To that just future,
Team LEANLAB Education
We know that no statement or post is enough- it vastly over-simplifies the true commitment it will take to move toward liberation. But, as a first step, we are moving the statement here, to our website, and it will act as a living document—updating our progress as time goes on. We want to be held accountable. And we want to unlearn and relearn alongside you, adding transparency to our processes. A few things to add:
We believe in interdependence, that we cannot make a dent in the work of educational equity without changing--and entirely rethinking--the concept of policing black communities and holding those in power accountable to make change.
We are taking a deep look at our internal organizational structures--hiring practices, resource allocation, leadership structures, culture. We are committed to amplifying leaders of color, specifically our black colleagues, board members, alumni and partners.