BOSTON NAACP RESPONSE TO SUPPORT LETTER FOR DR. LYNNE MOONEY-TETA
The Boston NAACP is aware of a campaign led by mostly white Boston Latin School Alumni and
parents who claim that Headmaster Mooney Teta is being “tried in the court of public opinion by
those who are not familiar with her efforts and with no direct interests in BLS or its future” and
characterize the efforts of Black students, parents, organizations and their supporters as
“counterproductive and worse, smacks of a witch-hunt”. They argue in their letter to city officials,
“All who have been involved in BLS know that its deep roots in history often mean that change comes
slowly.”
First, did they miss the point that Black students and parents have raised concerns about the school’s
handling of the racial climate at BLS, dating back generations, or are they as tone deaf to these
internal issues as their Headmaster? Do they realize that this is only a public story because she failed
to be responsible and responsive to students and parents, and that city and BPS officials failed to do
their jobs and hold her accountable—long before calls for termination? They also use the same tool
as some of the racist Tweets that generated this conversation, by trivializing and marginalizing
equally important voices, including those of parents, students and community activists who are
directly impacted by racism. And, the belief that all change comes slow is exactly why the nation is
racially divided today over the remaining inequities and injustices! Incremental change has never
been a friend to those who seek justice and believe in her promise.
As a Boston NAACP, we care about all of the kids in Boston and have been campaigning for a quality
education and high academic achievement for all kids since we were founded in 1911. Who are they
really advocating for? We find it concerning that they show up now, but did not find it necessary to
speak up as generations of black and brown families experienced a hostile racial climate and unfair
discipline at BLS and were being told “just be thankful you’re here”. When Meggie and Kylie asked
for support through #BlackAtBLS, where was this kind of mobilization of white parents for B.L.A.C.K.
students of their alma mater? Were they sitting quietly, concerned more about the reputation and
brand of their school? Do they realize that generations of Black and Latino families, who have
remained committed to the BOSTON Public Schools, have just as much right to weigh in? Have they
forgotten this is a “public School” in a minority-majority city and district? Maybe they need to realize
that high quality schools are a scarcity for families of color in Boston, and we have an even more
vested interested in making sure this pathway to the most prestigious colleges and universities, and
ultimately careers, remains accessible and nurturing for students of color.
Boston NAACP P.O. Box 301779, Boston, MA 02130 * www.bostonnaacp.org * 617-427-9494
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We’ve described the racial make-up of Boston Latin School as “apartheid-like”, and the response
from these parents and alumni mirrors what we saw from many in South Africa who attempted to
protect their remaining institutions and leaders, as if acknowledging systemic racism is an investment
in their own demise. What happened to Dr. Teta’s accountability on this issue, beyond the
achievements highlighted in their letter of support? How much consideration do you give to the
safety, comfort and success of all students when evaluating her performance? How would you
respond if she were tardy or unresponsive on issues of gender, sexual orientation or religion, or the
well-being and safety of your child?
We understand that the white graduates and families of BLS (and their supporters) make up the city’s
and state’s business and civic elite, and that you wield significant influence from the State House to
City Hall. Your letter illustrates a belief that you can discount the BLS administration’s failure to act
in a manner that serves the best interest of all students, without the benefit of hearing from the
students involved and relying soley on what Boston Latin School administrators have told you.
Ultimately, you patronize these young ladies of #BlackAtBLS by claiming in your letter that “the
BLACK@BLS leadership who spearheaded these efforts are also eager to work with her,” in an
apparent effort to dismiss the advocacy of organizations and families. Have you taken the time to
speak with these young ladies directly? Have you asked them if Headmaster Teta has been responsive
or inquired about the young woman who felt her safety was ignored after being threatened? Have
you asked yourself, if a Black male student had threatened your daughter with physical violence and
the administration failed to notify you timely and take appropriate action, what would you be asking
for? How would you hold the Headmaster accountable?
This is Boston! If we can’t get this right at the nation’s oldest and most prestigious public school,
then what does this say about our great city? Some of this show of support is about privilege, but
the underlying issue that continues to plague our school system has to do with race! As a firm
believer that people can operate from a place of ignorance, we know a conversation at least allows
people to adjust their thinking and possibly consider differing opinions.
I challenge the pro-Teta community to move beyond personal interests and view all alumni, student
and parent voices as equally valid and worthy of protection. I challenge the BLS community to create
a safe space where, and to show up when, all teachers, administrators, students, alumni and parents
can tell you their story of racism at BLS…if you really believe in the Boston Latin School Mission
Statement.
Boston NAACP P.O. Box 301779, Boston, MA 02130 * www.bostonnaacp.org * 617-427-9494
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