The Sewickley Academyathletic program stresses the development of personal andteam excellence for our student-athletes. Administration cites "mutual separation." 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. College & university. www.sewickleyacademy.org. PITTSBURGH Earlier this year, critical race theory got its moment in the right-wing media spotlight. The parents of 10 26 Veteran Senior School teachers are considering leaving Sewickley Academy students are considering leaving Sewickley Academy Go to concernedsewickleyparents.org for survey Last week, The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) presented Sewickley Academy with multiple formal complaints submitted by various . 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. Concerned Sewickley Parents @sewickleyparent "The Man Who Fired Dr. Wolfe is a Coward & Not Half The Educator She Is" - Dr. Barrett Gough High School History Teacher Concerned Sewickley Parents Retweeted Talia Kirkland @talia_kirkland Removal of restrictions on free speech "that damages the rep. of the school," a reference to the S.A. Handbook. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. All anti-CRT pushes in the Pittsburgh region have occurred in 2021. Our objective is to shine a spotlight on our childrens experiences at Sewickley Academy. Our new Privacy Policy will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. We promise we will never sell your information or spam your email. Commit to all the items listed in the petition at https://concernedsewickleyparents.org Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): Speak out, share this information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. Fergusons youngest child graduated high school in 2019 , but it is unclear whether they attended the local public school. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the. The changes ban Social Justice and unsubstantiated theories of any kind, including but not limited to Holocaust Denial Theory, 9/11 Theory, The 1610 Project, and critical race theory, incorrectly referring to the 1619 Project, which reframes U.S. history through the lens of slavery and Black Americans contributions. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 4th school wide communication. Sewickley Academy is now facing a civil rights lawsuit from former director of admissions and financial aid Douglas Leek, who is Black, alleging racial discrimination. The Facebook page shared anti-CRT content as far back as April 2021, claiming the Biden administration want[s] to rewrite American history.. Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. Although the school does not teach critical race theory, the school has severed ties with outgoing head of school Kolia O'Connor, who had adopted a strategic plan called EnVision 2024 calling for equity, inclusion and social justice initiatives. In the Fox Chapel Area School District, Greg Dolan is running for a spot on the school board, and while his website lists his experience as a middle and high school teacher with a background in school finances and education policy, it does not mention that he was a congressional staffer to Republicans in 2011-15, including Rubio, and U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va.., Dolan lists this information on his LinkedIn page. Despite the parents organizations claims of being non-political, their anti-CRT advocacy led to the departure and replacement of OConnor less than a month later. The school has had to reduce the number of athletic teams and eliminate some sports over the years. "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. Sproul did not respond to a request for comment. More. "The firings were retaliatory. 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Whether we agree or disagree is not the point. Sewickley Academy Sewickley Parents Organization does not contain any identifying information for its members, which Odom finds very interesting and quite contradictory as the letter is full of racial animus, and definitely anti-Black., But the language of the letter mimics rhetoric found in right-wing media, such as framing childrens academic excellence as mutually exclusive with social justice concepts.. Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. There are 500 other constituents in the school. select their own faculty sponsors. Speak out, share this information and help us get answers from the Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees. In April 2021, however, parents at Sewickley Academy received an email about the plan. Those involved in Pittsburghs anti-CRT campaigns have been congressional staffers to Republican elected officials such as U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and involved in previous attack ads against local Democrats such as U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-17th District. submitted by various constituents. Why did Sewickley Academy choose "Learming for Justice" standards? SEWICKLEY, Pa. (KDKA) -- Sewickley Academy is a prestigious private school ensconced in one of the region's wealthiest communities, but it is becoming a flashpoint in the national debate over race and education. If you are a parent that has or has had children at Sewickley Academy or if you attended the academy, please join us. 7/21/21 - "Leadership Team Purged at Sewickley Academy Following Parent Pushback on Equity Initiatives," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. www.sewickleyacademy.org. / CBS Pittsburgh. We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Herald's March 31 edition. Learn the Timeline: and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. Private Schools in 315 Academy Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143 We notice you're using an ad blocker. The top three leadership positions at Sewickley Academy are occupied by individuals who hold these positions for the very first time Faculty report a substantial decrease in morale Recently, the administration enacted practices that prohibited teachers from participating in student led clubs, specifically the African American Culture club The African American Culture club is the only club where the students were not allowed to select their own faculty sponsors. Public statements have included, "research driven; moving in a new direction; toxic environment." Immediately hire a competent DEI-SJ consultant to transition the school through this difficult time. However, organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Council, which receive large sums of money from Koch-related networks , held a webinar attacking critical race theory in December 2020 then also referred to as critical theory. And theyre not progressive. The Sewickley Academy Board of Trustees Needs to Commit to the Following: Western PA. Please see www.concernedsewickleyparents.org for details. I think the Academy has this perception of how they see themselves. Concerned Sewickley Parents About See all We are a Not for Profit organization. The standards reflect a set of hoped-for outcomes that are developmentally appropriate, and thoughtfully conceived." Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, Grants for Innovative Frameworks in Teaching, Instructional Technology Upgrades including iPads for all faculty members,Wireless Network Expansion, Robotics. 8/05/2021 - Sewickley Academy's justification for staff terminations at first was "low enrolment, " but the reasons continue to change. To turn the academy upside down without drawing from a comparable schools practices will, in our view, risk undercutting your childrens education while gaining little in return. The published plan was distributed to the community. Three were people of color. A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. 26 We wish to address the Concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 in the Sewickley Heralds March 31 edition. In this conversation. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who "Learning for Justice supports the educational outcomes that we want for our students. Birtwell said that 583 students were enrolled at the school for the 2020-21 school year. Join the Cause for a Better Future (What You Can Do): to see our latest opportunities and sign-up to volunteer. In several cases in Pittsburgh-area school districts, the individuals leading the charge against critical Race Theory are members of local school boards who also have ties to Republican officials and organizations, and many cite similar, if nearly identical talking points, to those pushed by conservative media groups. Our goal is to see the Academy grow and thrive and provide an exceptional experience to its students. Rather, we are unaware of any private school successfully launching such a dramatic change in its educational focus. The published plan was distributed to the community. Sewickley Academy 4/2020 Communication. Since the purpose of this site is to display digital ads, please disable your ad blocker to prevent content from breaking. Birtwell highlights these main points in her letter: In the letter, Birtwell mentions the struggle of keeping the schools longest-tenured teachers and how an internal survey conducted in 2016 by the Board of Trustees revealed teachers reported feeling a lack of trust and respect, fears of retaliation if they spoke up, little involvement in decision-making and intimidation. Make all future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy parents and alumni. Sewickley Academy received very high marks in 2019 for it's DEI-SJ plan. Teachers come under pressure as politicians, parents battle over critical race theory. Dr. Douglas Leeks (terms not disclosed) If they want to make sure we teach both sides, and allow excuses. Hi! The Quaker Valley Parents and Community group cites Sewickley Parents Organization directly on its website, as well as right-wing media organizations such as PragerU and the Heritage Foundation , both of which receive funding from fracking billionaires who invest heavily in conservative media. Fall 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board ratified the Strategic Plan EnVision24 and it's embedded DEI-SJ Plan. considering leaving At least one of Sprouls children attended Clarion-Limestone High School , but the youngest of Sprouls children graduated high school more than 10 years ago. Photos. Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. 2019 - Sewickley Academy engaged a consultant for its Strategic Plan Envision24. Please enter valid email address to continue. But a spokesperson for a group now calling itself Concerned Sewickley Parents said they'll meet with Birtwell next week to demand the administrators' reinstatement. We are Parents of children that attend the Academy, and we are Alumni of Sewickley Academy who are passionate and committed to its long-term success. Why Did Two People Of Color On The Board of Trustees Suddenly Resign? experience and qualifications. At Sewickley Academy, an anti-CRT campaign from the group Sewickley Parents Organization has led to the firings of five administrators and one teacher who were in support of the schools recent mission to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice measures. These standards are in practice at comparable independent schools in Western PA. A competent DEI-SJ Plan is required for accreditation from the PA Association of Independent Schools, and the National Association of Independent Schools. Edinboro University Psychology Department. There is a long list of retired Heads of School who would be willing and qualified to help during this transition O National search for a new Head of School with experience and qualifications Search for a new Assistant Head of School with experience and qualification O Search for a new Head of Senior School with experience and qualifications O Appoint an entirely new Board of Trustees that includes experienced educators who represent the makeup of the student body at Sewickley Academy O Search for a new Head of DEISJ with experience and qualifications Paid for by concernedsewickleyparents.org. standards set by the Commission on Accreditation" (PAIS website). Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Borocampusrec. Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. - Frederick Douglas, North Star, December 3, 1847 One even attended the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. College & university. Secondly, please consider the credibility of your demands. Please let us know how we can help. A group of families, alumni and allies of made up of multiple Concerned Sewickley Parents Login to the Home and School Resource Board on. Finally, Mars Area School District school board member Dayle Ferguson, who introduced a proposal that unanimously passed banning critical race theory, has similar ties to right-wing activity. Sewickley Academy received very Enrollment is like a report card of satisfaction, and Sewickley Academy has been missing the mark, Birtwell said. A 2019 study revealed total Independent School enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide communication. Albums. Birtwell concluded the letter by mentioning this will not be the last time she will be open to the public about Sewickley Academys internal workings, and that she is proud to be a member of the community. Faculty report a substantial decrease in morale 10 "No. But the problem is, its not your school. College & university. While Odom says she and her son have faced incidents of anti-Black racial bias before at Sewickley Academy, Odom says there was a sense that progress was occurring, and that the former head of school Kolia OConnors EnVision 2024 plan, which called for diversity and equity measures when it was introduced in 2019, indicated an interest on the part of the school to continue that progress. Verified account Protected Tweets @; Suggested users Is Sewickley Academy's Theyre not changing. What Is Happening at Sewickley Academy Affects The Whole Community In your petition, you demand that several actions be taken by Sewickley Academys Board of Trustees and Head of School. In Gateway School District in Monroeville, school board member Mary Beth Cirucci organized a meeting for community members opposed to CRT directly before an Aug. 10 school board meeting . represent the makeup of the student body at Sewickley Academy "Parents, community groups upset over staffing changes at Sewickley Academy https://t.co/yTIw8C5PJv" 6/1/21 - Sewickley Parents, an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous letter to Sewickley Academy families that many recipients found threatening. Why Were Six Senior Leaders Fired (Including All Of The (3) Most Senior Leaders Of Color)? 8/04/2021 - NAACP described Sewickley Academy as ".misguided in the meaning of the philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion when it comes to staff." Over 150 individuals from the Sewickley Community (Board of Trustees; Faculty and Staff representatives; Student Leaders; and Parents and Community Partners) were involved in the development of EnVision24 and the accompanying Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Social Justice (DEI-SJ) Plan. College & university. students are considering leaving But at public school districts, parents such as those at Quaker Valley School District, in which Sewickley Academy is located, are also rallying against CRT. We are Parents of children that attend the Academy, and we are Alumni of Sewickley Academy who are passionate and committed to its long-term success. Sproul also went to the Capitol for the Jan. 6 insurrection to support the right-wing conspiracy theory that the 2020 election results were tampered with to undermine former President Donald Trump. We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed. Will the Academy Confirm Today That They Intend to Move Forward With the Original DEI-SJ Plan as Adopted/Ratified in April 2021? Learn the Timeline: 2014-2021 - 19 professional development workshops were conducted to strengthen the faculty, and define an incremental and sustainable path forward." "The firings were retaliatory against anyone in support of diversity in education and plans to attract recruit and retain people of color. Often abbreviated to CRT, critical race theory is an academic framework dating back to the 1980s at Harvard University that seeks to understand how racial hierarchies continue to exist, but thats not how right-wing media presented it. Two months later, the Sewickley Parents Organization sent out an anonymous letter asking for support in their mission to keep politics and activism out of education, including eliminat[ing] the adoption of any form of critical race theory, implied or otherwise., NAACP of Pa. criticizes firing of Black leadership at W.Pa private school. The Jan. 6 insurrection at the school has had children at Sewickley Academy that... Continue to change Sewickley Academy Parents and alumni prevent content from breaking provide an exceptional experience to its students for... Pittsburgh Earlier this year, critical race theory over critical race theory got moment. Justice '' standards address the concerned Sewickley Parents who authored the petition advertisement on page 7 the. Request for comment in a new direction ; toxic environment. birtwell.! Group, circulated an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous group, circulated an anonymous group, an. 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Make all Future Board of Trustees meetings open to all Sewickley Academy Following parent Pushback on Initiatives! A 2019 study revealed total Independent school Enrollment was down in Western PA. 2019 schoolwide.! In education and plans to attract recruit and retain People of Color will! 2020 - After 1.5 years in development, the Board of Trustees Suddenly?... A new direction ; toxic environment. Commission on accreditation '' ( PAIS website ) all anti-CRT in... If you attended the local public school Initiatives, '' Pittsburgh Post-Gazette any private school launching. An email about the Plan andteam excellence for our student-athletes `` Learming for Justice '' standards has children!