Dear Reader,

*Publisher's Note: The following letter was written by the editorial staff of The Shamrock, Vol. 49 (2019-20)*

There is no excuse for us, or anyone, to remain silent in a time when unity is crucial. With that being said, as the editorial staff of The Shamrock newspaper, we offer this apology for not yet making a public statement in regards to the recent events involving the wrongful death of George Floyd.

Since May 25, there have been many within the Kennedy community— students, alumni, staff, and families— who made the decision to join this fight for equal justice in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Kennedy has one of the most diverse student populations in AUHSD. We would like to be clear that we stand in support of all those who fight against the systemic racism, police brutality, and general injustice facing our country today as we understand this is an ongoing issue that has yet to be fully corrected.

We have been working hard within our own newspaper staff as individuals to further educate ourselves as well as those on our campus and in our community about the full extent of the oppression that black people have faced throughout our history. We have signed petitions and shared links to websites where people can donate. Some of us have even made it out on the front line to join the protest in person.

Going forward, we here at The Shamrock are banding together in the dedicated pursuit of shedding light on the movement and how others can help, as well as encouraging our readers to contribute to the cause— whether through donating, protesting, signing petitions, or however you are able.

We understand that what might be practical for one may not work for all. What’s important is that we are all doing what we can to permanently end the oppression in America implemented at the hands of our own system.

We encourage our readers to visit https://nym.ag/2zkV3xC for a non-exhaustive list of places where you can help as well.

In solidarity,

The Editors

The Shamrock, Vol. 49