SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento City Unified School District today issued the following statement regarding the recent events in Charlottesville:

The tragic events in Charlottesville are a sad reminder that racism, hate, and bigotry are still very much alive in our society. These are incredibly challenging times for our nation and its youth, and a strong reminder of why our district designated itself a Safe Haven School District. 

Our children are watching these events playing out on their television screens and social media outlets and though our country has made incredible progress on equality and civil rights over the past century, there are real threats to that progress. Our Safe Haven resolution is an example of the progress we have made in fostering a society that welcomes and accepts all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or legal status.

The district calls on all of our community, parents and educators to join together in reminding our youth that we must unite against hateful rhetoric and acts of violence. It is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. The ideology espoused by white supremacy groups in Charlottesville this weekend, and elsewhere, endangers the unity of our nation and we condemn it. 

As educators and parents, we must come together to teach our children to embrace love, diversity, and equality. Our focus on providing students and families a space free from fear through our Safe Haven efforts must be prevalent throughout our campuses and community as we strive to stand in solidarity against the hate that continues to plague our communities.