Get Ms. Erin Hennessy removed from her position as Diversity liaison at Kent Place School

Hi everyone,
This is an update long overdue. Kent Place says that they will replace Ms. Hennessy as the MS Diversity LIaison with another faculty member of color. While it hasn't been updated on the school website yet, I am cautiously optimistic that they will change it soon. While she is still a current employee, that could change, as the school is investigating her actions. Hopefully there will be more action, but Kent Place has listeneed to the main goal of the petition.

Kent Place has posted more regarding the racism at the school. However it has been a week since I emailed them and they have not posted any updates about Ms. Hennessy's position at this school. Her name is still on the school disappointing. It feels very disappointing, but I'm not surprised. In the meantime there is also a letter going around that I strongly urge all KPS alumni to sign. The links can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOFj1Cs_2TgOm1OhgiRrmvzFn-4bfabuFOPwzxY-oQ9m2g5w/viewform

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16F3lrdJMzRvz9V8XfDWYe_iCVA4wNpHG-lVd8SeJcFA/edit

Here is the official response from the Head of School:
"Dear Grace Marks and Kent Place Community Members, Thank you for sharing with us your petition and for being actively engaged in such an important community-wide dialogue. We’re proud of you for using your voices and for taking a stand that you believe will promote justice and equity at Kent Place School. The @BlackatKentPlace Instagram feed is a powerful and important vehicle for our black students and alumnae to share their experiences, and we appreciate the courage it’s taken for so many to come forward with what are painful recollections of their years, past and current, at KPS." (1/2)

"As an institution, we’re committed not only to listening to the stories of our black students and alumnae, but also to learning from them in a way that enables us to dismantle the tenets of racism that we know continue to plague our community. As with all allegations of misconduct, whether within our student body or amongst employees, the school has deliberate policies and protocols in place. We cannot provide details of confidential investigations, but we can tell you that we are implementing those processes. In the coming week, the school will communicate with all constituents about the next steps. The members of the Leadership Team and I take very seriously our responsibility to ensure that every student in the Kent Place School community knows she is safe, heard, and valued." (2/2)

150 SIGNATURES! Thank you so so much for signing. This is the same amount as the number of students in the middle school. I have sent the petition to the administration, so check this page for more updates. If we have to resend it I'll add more signatures. Once again, thank you so much. I'm truly grateful to be a member of this community. To Kent Place Forever. - Alias Grace

Thank you so much for getting this petition to its goal of 100 signatures. I will send the petition to the administration at around 3:00 pm NEXT SATURDAY or until it gets 150 signatures, so if anyone still wants to sign please do so before then. Thank you once again for your support. Every signature truly made a difference. - Alias Grace

We only need 17 signatures left. Please continue sharing this petition with other people. - Alias Grace

Thank you to the KPS Class of 2025 for being one of the largest demographics to share and sign this petition. Even though this incident did not happen to you personally, it is incredible to see the dedication you have for the school community and your desire to make a change. Your work is not going unnoticed.
- Alias Grace

Thank you so much for signing this petition. This was created a couple of hours ago and yet it already has nearly half of the signatures needed. This incident will no longer be swept under the rug. It's time to demand some action and accountability on behalf of those in our community most affected by this series of incidents. Please continue to share with your family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and other acquaintances, because this petition needs all the support it can get from this community. Thank you again for your support. - Alias Grace

P.S: I know that removing Ms. Hennessy from this position of power will not stop the eurocentric and racist culture within the Kent Place administration. But this is a start. It is telling the administration that we will not stand for complacency and that we demand accountability. Hopefully this petition will be a catalyst to improve the culture at this school.