ISPA Call to Action for Social and Racial JusticeThe Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA) represents School Psychologists across the state of Illinois who serve the educational and mental health interests of all children. It is important to recognize that Illinois has a large population of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) across the state, including practitioners, children, youth, and families. ISPA denounces all acts of violence, systemic racism, and hateful rhetoric against Black people and all minoritized groups. ISPA stands united with all people adversely impacted by the systemic injustice, oppression, and violent acts throughout our State. We stand firmly in opposition to discrimination against persons of color that undoubtedly contribute to chronic trauma, poor or no health care, mental health despair, housing discrimination, inadequate educational systems, food deserts, lack of employment, and so much more. ISPA expresses both outrage and deep despair regarding the recent, unjustified killings of people of color. ISPA expresses condolences to the families and friends affected by their killings, and shares in the community’s sense of anger, outrage, and pain. ISPA recognizes that racial profiling, along with the most recent deaths at the hands of police officers, only highlight the deep-rooted pain and trauma from a history of injustice that has characterized so much of American history. ISPA recognizes that systems that perpetuate injustice continue to exist throughout this country and that they directly impact the communities we serve. Without recognizing these systems, and taking concrete actions to dismantle them, school psychologists run the risk of perpetuating oppression on the children and families whose voices have been historically muted. ISPA calls for deliberate and purposeful action to end systemic racism, injustice, and violence that is disproportionately impacting people of color. ISPA recognizes that the most recent deaths only highlight the deep-rooted trauma from a legacy of injustice that has characterized so much of the history across the United States. ISPA supports nonviolent, peaceful approaches that maintain both peoples’ safety and First Amendment rights. ISPA calls on School Psychologists across the state to take action to support BIPOC. ISPA supports the National Association of School Psychologists’ (NASP) Call for Action to End Racism and Violence Against People of Color ISPA adopts the NASP definition for Social Justice: Social Justice Strategic Goal Ensure that all children and youth are valued and that their rights and opportunities are protected in schools and communities. Social Justice Social justice is both a process and a goal that requires action. School psychologists work to ensure the protection of the educational rights, opportunities, and well-being of all children, especially those whose voices have been muted, identities obscured, or needs ignored. Social justice requires promoting non-discriminatory practices and the empowerment of families and communities. School psychologists enact social justice through culturally-responsive professional practice and advocacy to create schools, communities, and systems that ensure equity and fairness for all children and youth. - (Adopted by the NASP Board of Directors, April 2017). Adopted by the ISPA Governing Board June 27, 2020 |