Alright – so, Robbinsdale school district athletic students were insulted with racist and hurtful remarks by New Prague students and adults. Oh boy. I testified regarding a bill in the MN House that was about this (MSHSL). Essentially, the bill does nothing to rectify this; it basically keeps the same rules which is not ok. There needs to be more black and brown members on this board that is too vanilla for my taste. Additionally, both the high school principals and the school board associations staff and board lack diversity. So depressing. When we are not at the table, we are on the menu.
Minnesota House Education Policy Committee
Chair Rep. Ruth Richardson
March 7, 2022
Dear Madam Chair & Members,
Many thanks for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Idil Abdull; I am a Somali Autism Mom and Advocate who would like to retire from advocacy as soon as our children are protected from unions and lobbyists.
I want to tell you today that I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am tired of constantly being told with facts and data that students who look like me are failing in publicly funded school districts, being suspended, being expelled, and being insulted.
I am tired of the adults who are in charge of these school districts having no accountability and consequences for their failures and hurtful policies. I am tired of state legislatures always playing politics with our children’s education and well-being. I am tired of legislatures we have elected to amend, change, add and delete education laws never do what is best for ALL kids.
I am tired of legislatures never taking away funds or disciplinary actions against school districts who keep failing our kids and cause long-term trauma and emotional pain for so many families including mine.
I ask you – why can’t you stand up for the students and hold these school districts accountable? Children are blank page and only repeat what they have heard from their environment, homes, and communities. It is the adults in their lives that need to be held accountable with tangible actions.
When will you finally do that?
House file #2246 asks to amend the board for the high school league is a promising idea. However, to have one parent represent all minorities is an insult and offensive. The sheer volume of minority students and families who have suffered and endured so much trauma caused by schools, particularly high schools should be taken into account. More minority parent representation is a must and necessary. I would also add one of the two secondary principals represent minorities. Currently, the current board for MASSP has no black or brown person. I think that is shameful.
MASSP Board: 10 white men and two white women.
https://massp.org/about-us/organizational-structure/
MASSP Executive Staff: 4 white men and 1 white woman.
https://massp.org/about-us/executive-committee/
Thanks
Idil Abdull
The above words do not represent any candidate, agency, or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Advocate