July 8, 2020

The past few weeks have clearly shown that much hurt and injustice remain in our country and our world. Since the founding of Lenawee Christian School, our core values have included a commitment to train our staff and students that every individual shares equal worth before God, but recent events have shown us that we haven’t done enough. In response to this realization, we have turned our focus inward to discover ways we are unwittingly contributing to the problems so clearly identified in our culture and society. Our inward reflection has identified two key areas we want to address. First, we want to make much stronger statements with our words to support those who face injustice and discrimination. Second, we want to take intentional actions that will contribute to solving the problems of injustice and discrimination. While crafting these efforts, we want to inform and shape our decisions with the insights of those who can personally relate to the issues we’re trying to address.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Mrs. Heather Holsopple and Dr. Ben Bempong, two of my esteemed colleagues. They both have hearts that desire to see racial, cultural, or ethnic injustice and discrimination end. I encourage you to take the time to hear from them in the video message above.  They will work closely with me as we improve or implement each of the statements shared below.

As a faith-based organization that seeks to glorify God in all things, the administration and staff at Lenawee Christian School unequivocally state the following:

1. Every student at LCS, regardless of race, culture, or ethnicity, is created in the image of God and has equal value in His eyes.
2. Every student at LCS, regardless of race, culture, or ethnicity, will have access to equal opportunities for spiritual enrichment, academic advancement, emotional support, and social engagement.
3. LCS administrators and staff will do everything in their power within the boundaries of their oversight to identify, oppose, and correct any student, teacher, or staff member who speaks or acts in a way that demonstrates racial, cultural, or ethnic bias, insensitivity, or ignorance.
4. LCS administrators will develop intentional programs designed to increase racial, cultural, and ethnic sensitivity among students and staff members.
5. LCS administrators and staff will seek to identify and change procedures and practices that contribute to systemic racial, cultural, or ethnic discrimination or injustice.
6. LCS administrators will seek the input and advice of parents, pastors, and professionals who identify with the school’s racial minority populations or who have a significant connection to individuals from racial minority populations.
7. LCS administrators will appoint a staff member who identifies as a racial minority or who has a significant connection to individuals from racial minority populations to serve as a student and staff liaison. This staff member will provide a safe place for students and staff to discuss uncomfortable situations they are experiencing or to report potential abuse of LCS’ race, culture, and ethnic standards.
8. The leaders of LCS recognize that racial, cultural, and ethnic discrimination and injustice have terribly stained society in the past, that these discriminations and injustices continue to raise their ugly heads in our current society, and that these discriminations and injustices have no place in an organization whose employees are committed to loving others as Jesus Christ loves us.

As an organization, we have much to learn, but we desire to better understand the pain that racial minorities, especially the black community, have felt and are feeling so we can take action to help. If you have questions or constructive comments regarding our plans, please contact me.

Thank you for taking the time to listen as we share from our hearts on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jim Colman
CEO, Lenawee Christian Ministries