[Update] An Open Letter Pivot

Below is the email Dr. Ronda shared on April 23, 2026 with signers of “An Open Letter on Accountability, Racial Dignity, and Leadership in Durham Public Schools”

Good afternoon Beloved,

I hope you are continuing to find ways to create peace for yourselves during these times. I’m writing again with deep gratitude, and an important update on our next steps.

First, thank you. Your decision to sign “An Open Letter on Accountability, Racial Dignity, and Leadership in Durham Public Schools” helped make visible what so many have experienced but often felt unable to name publicly.

Over the past few weeks, several of us have been in conversation reflecting on both the impact of the letter and how we move forward. As a result, we are making an intentional shift in strategy.

While the initial call for leadership resignation reflected the seriousness of concern, we recognize that focusing on one individual risks narrowing what is, in reality, a broader issue. Our concern is not about a single person—it is about patterns and a culture of whiteness.

If leadership changes but the underlying culture remains the same, we will not see meaningful progress.

Many in our community witnessed the interaction between DAE leadership and the DPS Superintendent. For some, that moment raised concerns about respect and leadership. But what we are hearing now makes something clear: what was seen publicly reflects what many have experienced privately.

It has now been over a month since the letter was submitted, and we have not received a formal response from DAE.

So, we are moving into the next phase of this work: centering community voice and documenting patterns.

We are inviting educators and community members to share their experiences—of harm, silencing, exclusion, or fear of retaliation—either anonymously or with their name.

Share your story here: https://bit.ly/DAEAccountability

We have heard a consistent concern: while DAE has named the fear educators feel about retaliation within schools, there are also educators and community members who are afraid to speak up due to fear of retaliation within DAE itself. That reality deserves attention.

Our goal is to uplift these stories, identify patterns, and continue calling for the cultural accountability our community deserves.

At minimum, we want this to be clear: people are paying attention, and how community members are treated matters.

Thank you for standing in this work. We are grateful to be in community with you.

With disruptive peace,

Ronda

dr. ronda taylor bullock

lead curator, we are