Dear Rhinebeck High School Students,

Events taking place on the international stage, those taking place nationally, and occurrences that I have recently addressed in our school involving anti-Semitic symbols, call on me to write to you today.

My purpose is to state, clearly and unequivocally, that in concert with State Education Law, Commissioner’s Regulation, Board of Education Policy, and the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the Rhinebeck Central School District, we condemn and reject all expressions of hatred directed at others, be they based on race, color, appearance, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, social or socioeconomic status, or other characteristics that an individual or individuals may possess.  Such expressions of hatred have no place in our learning community and they will not be tolerated.  Threats have no place in our learning community and they will not be tolerated.

As  teachers and learners, we believe that expressions of hatred and intolerance are the result of a lack of understanding, not of malice; they are the result of being unable to see our shared humanity, not of a rejection of others.

As  teachers and learners, we pledge to continue and to deepen our work over the coming weeks, months, and years to dispel misunderstanding, to illuminate the bonds that connect us, and to help prepare our young people to be full citizens in our community, state, nation, and world.

Edwin Davenport

Principal

Rhinebeck High School

Albert Cousins

Superintendent

Rhinebeck Central School District