Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,
In the wake of bitter dialogue within and between communities in San Diego, we call on all of us to center human dignity not only in the content of what we speak, but how we speak it. We don’t have to agree with one another to recognize the humanity in each other. We are all part of the same human family and as Dr. King often said, “we must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or we will perish together as fools.”
Seventy-five years ago, during the formation of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted and signed by the world of nations. This document recognizes a baseline for honoring the dignity of our fellow humans, not because of what they own, believe, look like, or think, but simply because they are human. In this time of heightened polarization and increasing tensions, we call on everyone, including ourselves, to start with dignity. |
It is during times like these that it is most difficult to remember to honor the humanity within ourselves and others. We recognize that each of us is only human and we will all fall short at some point, and when we do, that is a good time to pause and re-center dignity. Human dignity is the starting point — a basic right that every person holds simply for being human. It’s easy to uphold when things are going well, but it becomes challenging when we face differences in opinions, ideals, and goals.
As we think ahead to the future we are shaping now, we invite us all to commit to centering dignity. In doing so we can address current events in San Diego and remain steadfast in honoring each other’s humanity, upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as our collective higher standard. |
Dr. Isidro Ortiz, Ph.D. Dr. LaWana Richmond, Ed.D. ASD Board President ASD Board Vice President |
