A Message from Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker

Dear students, staff, families and community,

You may have heard about an incident that occurred Wednesday when a group of middle school students were downtown as part of a walking field trip.

With the permission of the student’s family, we want to share that a Whatcom Middle School student was physically attacked and verbally assaulted by a community member in an act of racism, and that person has now been charged with a hate crime.

Our school staff, counselors and administrators spent yesterday and today directly supporting students and will remain available through the end of the year. The principal sent a message to families Wednesday, which has prompted conversation across our community.

Bellingham Public Schools is absolutely opposed to anti-Black racism, and racism in all forms. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just a statement but a Promise to all students. We recognize that racism is deeply rooted and affects our systems and the lives of many individuals and families in profound ways. It is a collective responsibility to address and dismantle these injustices.

The district and the family of the student appreciate the outpouring of support and empathy from across our community. We are collecting notes and messages of kindness, community and solidarity on their behalf at the District Office at 1985 Barkley Blvd., Bellingham, WA 98226.

We look forward to the community coming together to denounce racism and take action against hatred. If you would like some ideas about how to have conversations at home and/or in our community, please see our Resources for Families webpage for some starting points. I welcome your thoughts and feedback, as well.

Greg Baker

Reply to Greg.Baker@bellinghamschools.org