MFISD-hosted panel to discuss community race relations
A panel discussion on race relations in the community is Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Marble Falls Independent School District’s Central Office Community Room, 1800 Colt Circle in Marble Falls.
“Candid Conversations: Fulfilling the Dream — A Discussion About Race and Relations” will be led by MFISD social worker Kaitlin Puckett, who will ask panelists a host of questions about race, inclusion, and diversity.
The panel came about because of “an expressed desire by some members of our community to raise awareness and sensitivity related to issues of diversity,” said MFISD Communications Specialist Megan Hamilton.
Panelists include community activist Bessie Jackson, First Baptist Church of Marble Falls Recreation Pastor Calvin Richard, The Athletic Club owner Fermin Ortiz, and Iglesia Conexiones Pastor Alan Ramirez.
Although the panel comes on the heels of a Nov. 18 incident during a Marble Falls High School girls’ basketball game against East Central High School, that was not the impetus behind what is a continuing series of meetings hosted by the district. A public listening session in February 2022 was held after three parents told the school board at its Jan. 18 meeting about racist behavior they and their children had encountered. Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen followed up the session by outlining short- and long-term strategies the district plans to pursue.
The district hopes these discussion will encourage residents to hold their own candid conversations on race and increase local awareness of and sensitivity to issues of diversity, Hamilton said.
Residents may attend the Jan. 12 panel in person or livestream it on the district’s YouTube page.
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