UUCF members approved adopting the following congregational resolution at the 2023 UUCF Annual Meeting.
As members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Oakton, VA, we:
- affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- strive to dismantle racism and other forms of systemic oppression in ourselves
- and our institutions;
- declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and
- worthiness; and
- celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience and
- theology. All of our stories deserve to be told.
PUBLIC EDUCATION: Public schools are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
WE believe in an inclusive public education system in which students and teachers are welcome regardless of race, religious beliefs, cultural background, gender identification or sexual orientation.
WE believe that students should be taught the whole truth about our nation’s history so that they can recognize racism and other oppressions and help our country live up to its promise of freedom and justice for all.
WE believe information about our experience as a nation, including accurate facts about racial oppression, gender identity and different religious beliefs, should be part of all levels of education. This information should be included in school curricula and libraries.
PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES: Books should not be banned from public or school libraries simply because they make some people uncomfortable.
WE believe that the current policy in which trained school librarians, with community support, select the age-appropriate books for school libraries, should be retained. Students deserve access to books, including books about race and gender, that allow historically marginalized students to see representations of themselves and their families. These books also teach socially advantaged students to empathize with others and learn from diversity.
SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS: Teachers and educational professionals deserve respect.
WE believe that teachers are skilled professionals providing a valuable service who have more expertise than politicians in the subject matters they teach. Teachers are leaders in literature, science and social issues. They prepare students to live rich and meaningful lives.
WE believe teachers and other educational professionals require autonomy from political pressure in order to protect academic integrity and student learning.
WE believe that public schools should be adequately funded, and teachers and staff should be paid competitive salaries.
THEREFORE:
WE CALL ON UUCF to actively and intentionally work in coalition with other community groups to engage in education, outreach, advocacy and witness to promote the principles, values and beliefs set out above. We commit to learn from history. We seek to ensure our future is based on the whole truth, so that our failings are recognized and corrected, just as our achievements are celebrated, so that we may fulfill our promise of freedom and justice for all.
WE CALL ON THOSE IN THE UUCF COMMUNITY to
WE CALL ON UUCF to encourage public school leaders in Virginia, from the state level to local school boards, to prioritize academic integrity, inclusive history and quality education that puts truth above politics.