February 26, 2017

Dear Needham High School Students:

Welcome back from February break!  As you return to classes this week, allow me to share something I have been thinking about recently.  

In the last several days and weeks there has been a lot of news about stopping people from certain Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S., deporting an increased number of undocumented immigrants, and halting Federal support for transgender student rights in the nation’s schools.

While these actions may not directly affect each Needham student or community member, collectively these actions and pronouncements impact us all by sending a message that an individual is not welcome or wanted.  And when any one individual is humiliated or demeaned, our entire sense of community, inclusion, and respect is fractured and makes us all vulnerable and less safe.  And that is simply unacceptable.

At a time when it seems easy to target and marginalize certain people, I want to share a personal story.

As a young boy I once accompanied my dad to work in downtown Chicago. He had a lot to do, but he said I could go with him as long as I didn’t bother him or get in the way.  My father, a very serious, conservative, and busy executive, never slowed down and was always walking and working fast. So to be able to spend some time with him taking the train into the city; clinging to his side as we rushed down a packed sidewalk; observing the hustle and bustle of a colorful and chaotic urban scene dwarfed by skyscrapers… well, that was pretty thrilling to a little kid like me!

As we careened down the sidewalk toward his building, my dad suddenly halted in mid-step, causing me to stumble, and I observed him lean into a tattered beggar who was propped against a wall with his thin and dirty hand extended.  Dad whispered something into the man’s ears and pressed a bill into his fingers.  Before I knew what was happening, my father grabbed my hand, practically yanked me off my feet and then we were on our way, darting between taxis, cops, and delivery trucks on our way to his office.

I was shocked my dad talked to a stranger and gave him money!  My dad, who was serious, short on words, and self reliant—a man who brought us up to take care of ourselves, be wary of strangers, and mind one’s own business—my busy dad paused on his way to work and engaged, however briefly, a man down on his luck.  I was amazed!  He didn’t talk about it; we went to his office, and I had a great day with my dad.

Later that evening on my way to bed and still wondering about the encounter with the stranger, I approached dad with his head buried in the newspaper and asked him what he said to the man, how much money did he give him, and why did he even do that?  Wasn’t he scared, I asked?  My father put down the newspaper, looked me straight in the eye, paused, and then simply said, “Everyone matters.” 

It took me a long time to completely realize what Dad meant that day. Eventually I understood the many lessons my parents offered me and my siblings about caring for others, being a good citizen and neighbor, and recognizing that all of us are connected and all are a meaningful part of the broader community—no matter who we are—because everyone matters.  My father never told me what he whispered to that stranger, but it really didn’t matter because his simple action impressed upon me the human need to be respected and included.  

I want transgender students, students and their families whose immigrant status is unclear, or any student who feels marginalized and targeted because of skin color, religious belief, disability, or gender identity to know that the Needham Public Schools has your back, and we are here to support you.  We will not condone discrimination and if you or a classmate ever feels the need to ask for help, I encourage you to talk to your teachers and administrators.

A Federal order designed to keep certain immigrant groups out of the country or the dismantling of Federal protections for transgender youth impact real people and are clearly at odds with Needham’s core values of community, respect, and tolerance.   While Federal officials may roll back certain protections, the Needham Public Schools will uphold our values and abide by Massachusetts laws which provide additional and greater protections to ensure all of Needham’s youth—not just some—can attend school and access an education in an inclusive and safe environment.  The recent actions taken at the Federal level will have no impact on how we continue to support transgender students.

We will support you and your families because we believe in you and know that our school community is enriched by the contribution of each extraordinary young person.  We also know that even if only one of us is hurting, if only one of us feels unsafe, all of us have a responsibility to stand up and take care. 

Because we know and we believe… Everyone Matters.

I look forward to seeing you around school in the days and weeks ahead.

Respectfully,

Dan Gutekanst

Superintendent of Schools