Superintendent Statement
Jeanice K. Swift
Wednesday, May 12, 2021

The month of May has been designated as National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a special time to honor, celebrate, embrace and stand with the more than 24 million Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders living in Ann Arbor and communities throughout the United States. This celebration provides an opportunity to listen and learn more about the rich diversity within AAPI communities and the deep connections they have to all facets of American history.

In President Biden’s Proclamation recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, he stated, “The American story as we know it would be impossible without the strength, contributions, and legacies of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders who have helped build and unite this country in each successive generation. From laying railroad tracks, tilling fields, and starting businesses, to caring for our loved ones and honorably serving our Nation in uniform, Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities are deeply rooted in the history of the United States.”

In addition, this is an excellent time to reiterate our stand against bias and hate of any kind, to stand with, to extend our support and partnership to our AAPI students and staff, parents, families and community. We understand that many in our Ann Arbor community may be experiencing fear as a result of troubling incidents of hate across the nation and may be asking themselves if they are safe in their schools, neighborhoods and our community.

In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, we are committed to nurturing anti-racist educational learning environments where each and every child, staff member, parent and family are respected and valued for who they are regardless of race or ethnicity, skin color, gender, sexual identity or orientation, ability or disability or any other category.

We are a stronger school community as we honor, embrace and celebrate our diversity, continually create a culture of belonging for all, and value the connections that unite us as an inclusive Ann Arbor community.

The Board of Education and I invite all in the AAPS and the Ann Arbor community to join us in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.