RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO

COMMUNICATIONS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DEPARTMENT

CONTACT: LIBBY ROOF 803.360.1836
EMAIL: LROOF@RICHLAND2.ORG
WEBSITE: WWW.RICHLAND2.ORG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2020

RICHLAND TWO RESPONDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA POST

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland Two and Blythewood High administrators were alerted this
morning that an inappropriate tweet had been posted by a student in the district and
the Blythewood High School’s student government account was tagged in the tweet.
The school’s principal took immediate steps to have the post removed and to
communicate with the schools’ students, employees and parents.
The tweet was in connection with the school’s Spirit Week. The school plans special
activities during Spirit Week as a way to highlight anticipation for the upcoming
Homecoming football game and to create excitement about being a Blythewood
Bengal. Today, students were asked to wear colors based on their class: black for
Freshmen; navy for Sophomores; white for Juniors; and gold for Seniors. The photos in
the tweet were inappropriate and insensitive. They did not support the goal or intent of
Spirit Week.
Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis said, “As a district, we acknowledge that the tweet
was unacceptable, inappropriate and hurtful. It does not reflect the core values of the
district or of Blythewood High School. We are certainly sorry for any hurt or distress the
tweet caused, and we will continue to be committed to providing a premier educational
experience for our students, staff, parents and community.”
Helen Grant, Richland Two Chief Diversity and Multicultural Inclusion Officer, has been
in consultation with Matt Sherman, Blythewood High School’s principal, since early in
the summer about the goal to enhance the culture and climate of the school.
“Blythewood High is committed to making sure that all students feel valued. The
school’s employees and students have been engaged in productive conversations
about race and equity and have committed to being the change that needs to happen,”
said Grant.
Under the leadership of the Richland Two Board of Trustees, Richland Two
implemented an Equity Policy in August 2019 that makes clear the board’s and
district’s commitment to the success of every student and to equity of opportunity and
access to programs, services and resources that are critical to student success.
To accomplish this goal, the district is taking a series of steps including:
• Using a growth mindset and believing all students are capable of success
 • Reviewing policies, procedures and practices to ensure they do not present
institutional barriers
• Recruiting, employing and retaining a high quality diverse staff
• Offering opportunities for employees to increase their individual cultural
competency thereby increasing our collective capacity to serve our diverse
student population
• Providing professional development opportunities for staff in the areas including
diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-bias, privilege, microaggressions
• Affirming and modeling an appreciation for all forms of intelligence and the wide
variety of ways students illustrate their mastery of skills and knowledge
One of the goals set by Superintendent Davis for the 2020-2021 school year is to focus
on the social justice and equity needs of our district. The district is participating with the
national school superintendent’s association (AASA) in a nationwide Equity In Action
Program where the Richland 2 team is receiving specialized training in how to
implement change to help ensure that we are being equitable in our work. Additionally,
an Equity Focus Group is being formed to identify, prioritize and rectify any areas of
concern in the district.
Davis said, “We are determined to have the courageous conversations about being
anti-racist as we continue to reach out to one another in unity. We have been working
continuously to make Richland Two a place where all students, staff, parents and
community members are valued, included and supported. We strive everyday to
uphold our core values of learning, character, community and joy. We take seriously
the principle practice of diversity and inclusion in our policies, our goals, our programs
and our initiatives.”
“Changes and improvements have been made but there is still work to be done. Just
as our staff needs the professional development and access to resources that will help
improve our work, our students also need instruction and access to resources to help
them learn acceptance of and sensitivity to people who are different from them,” said
Grant. “We will use our student government groups, our clubs and organizations, our
character education programs and our classrooms to provide that instruction and those
resources.”
“We are grateful for the support we have received from our community as we continue
our journey towards premier education. Together, we can make a difference in the
lives of our students and our community. We join with the commitment of the
Blythewood High School family to Be The Change,” said Davis.

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