Good for the National Writing Project. I support this decision 100%.

Dana Loy


________________________________________
From: Oklahoma Writing Project [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Griffith, Priscilla L. [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 10:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: Special Site Bulletin:  Important Message on Upcoming NWP Summer Events

FYI  See below.

****************************************************************
Priscilla L. Griffith
Ruth G. Hardman Chair in Education
Director of the Oklahoma Writing Project
The University of Oklahoma/The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education
338 Cate Center Drive, Room 190
Norman, Ok 73019
TEL 405-325-3534
FAX 405-325-7841
[log in to unmask]
http://education.ou.edu/hardman/
http://owp.ou.edu

________________________________________
From: National Writing Project [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 12:00 PM
To: Griffith, Priscilla L.
Subject: Special Site Bulletin:  Important Message on Upcoming NWP Summer Events

- NWP Site Bulletin -

Dear Site Leaders,

Every day, we are presented with opportunities to do the right thing––recycle, help a neighbor, vote. Every day, teacher-leaders across the NWP network in every local site provide high-quality instruction in writing to students so that they will be college and career ready and have the skills to engage in a participatory democracy. Every day, teachers, school administrators, parents, and communities strive to provide safe learning environments for all students.

This week, for reasons of equity, inclusion, and safety, the National Writing Project has made the decision to relocate our upcoming summer national professional development programs that were scheduled to take place in the state of Arizona. We cannot in good conscience ask our teacher-leaders to enter a state where they or their colleagues will be subjected to law enforcement checkpoints for "looking like an immigrant," and be in an environment that is increasingly hostile to differences of social identity.

We are relocating the events to other venues and will work closely with network leaders to ensure that all participants can still attend the planned events. We recognize, honor, and support our three local sites in Arizona and will continue to work closely with them on all aspects of writing project work.

I am so proud to work with a group of educators who are committed to their own learning, and who believe in equity and in the richness our differences bring to our community.

Sincerely,

Sharon J. Washington
Executive Director