Dr. James Whitfield
Appearances
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
I had been up pretty much all night, could not sleep. And I woke up at 4.30 in the morning, and I said, I have to craft something.
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
Hello, I'm Dr. James Whitfield, Dr. Ryan, Board of Trustees. I first want to express my gratitude for all the love, support, and encouragement from the community, especially our students who have regretfully been criticized for their speaking up in this matter. I stand before you today no different than I was when I came in in 1819.
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
I'm an advocate for all kids. I believe every student, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, whatever bucket you want to put them in, I believe they all have access to a, they should have access to excellent, equitable education. Yes, I said those words. Unfortunately, my unapologetic stance for those things has brought us here tonight, which is disheartening.
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
The attacks from people outside is one thing, but the outright silence and direct actions taken towards me by GSD leadership team, GCISD leadership team, sorry, trying to get this in, are what's absolutely heartbreaking. I can assure you I have not changed. I'm still the same man today as when you hired me in 1819. You promoted me twice in three years. So I ask you, what has changed since July 26?
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
I mean, I look over there every day. I can't just not look, right? My wife is just like, well, just try to look the other way. I can't. As I'm driving by, you can see down one of the main hallways, right? There's these big windows and you can see right down the hallway. And so as I'm walking by, I'm envisioning the different classrooms and the teachers that I would check on every morning and
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
You know, it's three stories. And so by the time the morning, by the time the first bell had rung, I was already at 10,000 steps, right? Because I'm running around this place, checking in on teachers. And so I think about that every morning. And so, yeah, it's...
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
it's really, it's really hard to pass by, you know, a place that you love, you know, and know that there's staff members that you love in there. There's students that you love in there. And that's, you know, that's where you're supposed to be. And, but like, it's, but you're not even, you're not allowed to be in there. Right. Like it's, um,
This American Life
758: Talking While Black
It's like, what kind of person is not allowed to be in there? You know, it's disheartening.