"Today, young black people grow up witnessing and experiencing systemic violence, oppression and racism across the state, in their communities and sometimes in their schools," said ISTA President Keith Gambill. "We cannot be silent. Educators are in this fight. We stand in solidarity with the Black community, with our union brothers and sisters in states and cities across the country, and with everyone fighting for equality, inclusion and against the plague of systemic racism."

"We must do better and together we can," concluded Gambill.