(NAME-MCE) Xenophobia caution

[Julie Mushing]

Please send to the Name listserv - following is information that we have sent out to our school districts:
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Good morning-

Everyone is concerned about the outbreak of swine flu; however; there have been some very disturbing comments made recently by TV and radio commentators blaming Mexicans, immigrants, and Islam for the virus. Following is a web link to AlterNet (which is biased against immigration control) that quotes some of the recent comments: http://www.alternet.org/module/printversion/138859

I am also providing the link to Media Matters (which is biased against conservatives) - they provide transcripts from recent TV news network shows of the conversations blaming Mexicans and radical Islam for the swine flu. http://mediamatters.org/items/200904270037?f=h_latest

It's important to be aware of what is being said because it has the potential to result in rumors, bullying, harassment, or violence if left unchecked. Please keep in mind that your Latino and immigrant students may be experiencing difficulties with other students at this time.

Thank you-
Casey

Casey L. Gordon
ELL & World Languages Coordinator, Kent ISD
caseygordon at kentisd.org<mailto:caseygordon at kentisd.org>

~Remember, Einstein was a refugee and Albright was an immigrant.

Thank you,
Julie Mushing
Diversity Coordinator, Kent ISD
juliemushing at kentisd.org