On September 22, 2021, at its monthly public meeting, the DC State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted a Ceremonial Resolution Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 (CR21-19). The resolution establishes the 9-11 anniversary “as a time for everyone to unite not just locally, but on the national and international level and elevate the premise that the world can be changed for the better.” It goes on to declare that “all District schools will observe this day each year (our emphasis) by teaching from curricula designed to address issues related to eliminating racism, intolerance, and hatred and promoting peace.”
Globalize DC advocated for the State Board to take such an action, and is very grateful that it took the time to do this. Though a ceremonial resolution may seem an insignificant gesture, especially in these difficult times, we view this as a meaningful decision, which creates a real opportunity for positive action in coming years.
Background:
The State Board’s 20th anniversary resolution builds on the decisive action taken by the prior elected DCPS Board of Education in the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001. As one of the targets of that horrific attack, DC was directly and personally affected. Beloved DCPS students and teachers perished on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon that day. The School Board responded in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy by designating 9-11 as a Day of Remembrance from that time forward, to honor the lives lost by teaching lessons designed to eliminate racism, intolerance, and hatred, and to promote peace.
The DCPS Office of International Programs, directed at that time by Sally Schwartz, was responsible for supporting the educational goals of the resolution. For several years, students, teachers, and administrators in PK-12 schools across the city embraced the spirit of the day and engaged in a wide variety of positive and creative learning activities generated by this initiative. Unfortunately, over time, with changing Superintendents and Chancellors and staff, this Day of Remembrance was mostly abandoned and forgotten.
Now the current State Board of Education’s action, which covers DC charter as well as DCPS schools, sets the groundwork for the re-establishment of the 9-11 Day of Remembrance. But it will take a community-based effort to turn this idea into a reality.
What’s Next
Globalize DC views the 9-11 Day of Remembrance as a great opportunity to encourage peace as well as cross-cultural, international, and interracial understanding and respect in our schools. If you are interested in joining with us to explore strategies to make this happen beginning in September 2025, email sally@globalizedc.org.