Unload your ‘backpacks of privilege’: Boston Public Schools ‘thrilled’ about ‘anti-racist’ Black Lives Matter at School program

In a letter to parents, Boston Public Schools announced its participation in the Black Lives Matter at School program as part of its “embracing anti-racism.”

“As a school community dedicated to nurturing our students, we believe in embracing anti-racism as a foundation for everything we do,” the email stated. “This commitment means actively dismantling inequities, amplifying diverse voices, and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enriches our lives.

“In that spirit, we’re thrilled to announce our plans for participating in the national Black Lives Matter (BLM) at School Movement again this year in addition to our celebration of Black History Month.” 

The program begins on Feb. 5, and will have students learn “at least one of the guiding principles outlined below”: 

• Restorative Justice, Empathy and Loving Engagement; 
• Diversity and Globalism; 
• Trans-affirming, Queer Affirming and Collective Value; 
• Intergenerational, Black Families and Black Villages; 
• Black Women and Unapologetically Black. 

And during the entire month of February, other student activities will include book studies, videos, art projects, interviews, and virtual field trips with the focus on “deliberately centering, affirming, and uplifting the voices and contributions of the Black community.”  

This will be BPS’s seventh year participating in the BLM program.  

Black Lives Matter at School is an organization that advocates for ending police presence in schools, mandating black history and ethnic studies for teachers and students, and encouraging affirmative-action in hiring. 

An associated guide from the organization also proposes extending the weeklong initiative throughout the entire year. 

“This is about unpacking your backpacks of privilege with your students, which will help them understand their own identities and how that shapes our society,” the guide states.