School Board Approves Emergency Resolution to Provide Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine Students, Families and Employees will raise funds through its annual Consolidated Charitable Campaign (03-08-33)

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Silvia Martinez, 213-241-8333                                                          March 8, 2022
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School Board Approves Emergency Resolution to Provide Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine

Students, Families and Employees will raise funds through its annual Consolidated Charitable Campaign

Today, the Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution giving Los Angeles Unified students, their families and District employees the opportunity to participate in a campaign to raise funds for child-centered humanitarian relief for Ukraine. Sponsored by Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson, and co-sponsored by Board Members Dr. George J. McKenna III and Board Vice President Nick Melvoin, the resolution requests that our Superintendent and staff develop an outreach strategy and fundraising campaign that establishes collection sites at all schools and offices throughout the District, and that those donations be forwarded to an effective, child-centered relief organization to be identified and selected by the Consolidated Charitable Campaign Chair and the Superintendent.

Since the last week of February, it is estimated that over two million residents have left and many more are attempting to leave Ukraine, in order to protect themselves and their loved ones, as Russian ground and air attacks on urban centers continue to escalate. The world community is currently receiving international calls to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine victims of war, refugees and the families on the front lines of this current assault on the sovereignty of Ukraine and the health and safety of its citizens. 

“All armed conflicts are appalling with the worst impacts falling on innocent civilians,” Board Member Schmerelson said. “Through this resolution, I hope that our parents and teachers have access to age-appropriate materials to help explain the unexplainable to our children. It is also my hope that we continue to model compassion and collective action: Core values that I know unites this Board and District leadership.” 

Los Angeles Unified stands with the people of Ukraine against an unprovoked attack by Russian military forces,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Complacency is not an option. Our future hinges on protecting the health and safety of our world's children and their families.”

“Pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars, I encourage our students, our employees, our entire Los Angeles Unified family to help the children of Ukraine,” Board member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Through our annual Sharing Brings Hope Consolidated Charities campaign, this District has a long tradition of helping others. I’m especially concerned about the treatment of Africans and other People of Color there. They also need our help and advocacy.”

"Our hearts are with the families in Ukraine affected by the violence of war,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I’m proud to be part of a District where our drive to help children extends beyond our geographical boundaries. This resolution gives us an opportunity to assist Ukrainian families while teaching our students about what is happening across the globe and how it affects all of us.”

“I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution in solidarity with the Ukrainian people whose home is under attack,” Board Vice President Nick Melvion said.”We strongly condemn the egregious acts of violence perpetrated by Russian leadership—and offer our unwavering support to the children and families of Ukraine during this unthinkable time.”

“We stand in solidarity with the children and families of Ukraine in their fight to survive this unprovoked war of hate and destruction,” Board Member Mónica García said. “We call on all parts of the world to affirm the human rights of all people.”

“Los Angeles Unified students and staff join the world in condemning the acts of war in Ukraine and we welcome this opportunity to support the millions of Ukrainian children suffering from it,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “We can provide for their immediate physical needs and, by doing so, let them know that we care about them.” 

“I’m proud to support today’s resolution to come together as a District and develop a fundraising campaign to assist Ukrainian families and children in need,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “As a public education organization, we must do everything we can to not only encourage civic engagement, but to also demonstrate what civic engagement looks like in action on a local, national and global level.”

“In times where our fellow people face instability and suffering, we should always stand up against the oppression and stand with the victims,” Student Board Member Parishi Kanuga said. “Our Los Angeles Unified community should stand with the people of Ukraine during this difficult time.”