To the Abington School District Community:
The murder of George Floyd has shed a spotlight on racism in our country. In the days since, we have seen the anguish of long-ignored communities bubble over into the streets. Here in Abington, members of our community stood together with each other and the Abington Police Department to acknowledge many of the problems that we speak about too infrequently but that are now at the forefront or our collective consciousness. So many of us in Abington and Montgomery County have stood together and have vowed to move forward together to create a more perfect union. However, there are those who seek to divide us by spreading vitriol and hate right in our own backyard.
Recent comments by Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale – comments that do not bear repeating due to their vile nature – have shocked and appalled us. In the days since the comments were made, and with full awareness of how hurt and angry his words have made the citizens he was elected to represent, Mr. Gale has amplified his hateful, damaging, dismissive rhetoric. While Commissioner Gale has a First Amendment right to express his views, no matter how disturbing, we vehemently denounce his words and sentiments of hate. We want to make clear that he does not represent our views.
Since 2003, Abington has been a “No Place for Hate” community. The citizens have worked together to build bridges, live in peace, and listen to each other in times of difficulties and fear. We do not pretend to be a perfect community, but we are a solid one dedicated to finding ways to include others. In this time of national crisis, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to ensure that everyone who lives, works, and attends school in this district is protected from discrimination and intolerance. We strongly encourage Mr. Gale to resign as he no longer has the trust of the community. This is a question of principles, justice, and basic human decency. We are a community determined to unite, not divide. We will have hard conversations because we respect one another. We may fall, but we will extend a hand to one another to help us get up again. Ugly, divisive, unfair words like the ones spoken by Mr. Gale have no place here in Abington and Montgomery County.
Sincerely,
Abington School Board of Directors