February 25, 2026

As organizers and leaders for People’s Alliance, upon reflecting and meeting about the events of Meet and Confer on 2-19-26, at the front of our minds are the students. Students are watching and learning from us every day. We ask that leaders from the Durham Association of Educators and the Durham Public Schools Administration that are part of the Meet and Confer process be mindful of this in all public interactions.

We cannot ignore the racial tensions that were evident at the end of the last Meet and Confer meeting. Racial equity must be embedded into all of our systems. In that context, the action by the President of DAE, a white woman, calling the Superintendent, Dr. Lewis, by his first name, rather than his earned professional title, is not neutral. Black leaders have historically and systematically been denied the respect, formality, and recognition afforded to their white counterparts.  Addressing Dr. Lewis by his first name not only stripped away his accomplishments, but denied him the professional respect he has earned. PA’s work is rooted in advancing racial equality in Durham, thus, this moment requires accountability, reflection and change. 

The exhaustion, frustration, and anger that were apparent at Thursday’s meeting are the culmination of months of emotionally charged meetings. It was clear that every person in the room cared deeply about our DPS students, families, and staff. Every person in the room was and is deserving of respect for their hard work, dedication, and passion.

The work of the People’s Alliance Education Action Team for the past few years has been in large part focused on advocating for the full implementation of restorative practices across the district. Restorative practices are rooted in respect for others and the recognition of the connections between people who are in community with one another. Restorative practices require us to take responsibility for the harm we have caused and demands that we stay vigilant and curious about the steps we must take to repair a strained relationship. 

The People's Alliance believes that a path forward is for the Meet and Confer committee to collectively commit to a relationship reset grounded in restorative practices. This could be through a restorative practices circle, facilitated by a trained neutral party, as a way to improve the Meet and Confer process moving forward.  The People's Alliance encourages all Meet and Confer leaders, both union and administrative representatives, to recommit to healthy and respectful meeting norms designed to build trust and understanding. The public apology issued by the DAE leadership is a good first step.

Every administrative and union member of the Meet and Confer process has been and will continue to be in community with one another. In order to continue advancing shared goals of making Durham Public Schools an excellent place for staff to work and for students to learn and thrive, this moment calls for accountability, repair, and a commitment to mutual respect moving forward. 

In Solidarity

The Education Action Team and c3/c4 Board of the People’s Alliance