INDIANAPOLIS — The demands for racial equity and an end to racism we've heard across the country and across Indianapolis are making their way to school hallways and classrooms.
In an unprecedented decision, the city's 11 public school districts say they will work together to provide a racism-free place for kids to learn and people to work.
When 135,000 Indianapolis schoolchildren get back to their classrooms, they will find themselves in no racism zones, designated by signs that are being printed. Parents and students are getting a page full of resources to help families discuss race and racism.
"Change is required. Action is demanded," said Franklin Schools Superintendent Bruce Hibbard in a new public service announcement featuring all 11 superintendents.
"We strongly advocate educational equity," said Pike Schools Superintendent Dr. Flora Reichanadter.
IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson said the school district is compelled to "...speak out against institutional racism and express our commitment to eradicate it from our educational spaces."
Friday night, all of the high schools' football stadiums will be lit up for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, in memory of George Floyd, whose death ignited new calls to end racism.
For years, all of the city's public schools have worked quietly and individually to confront and eliminate racism.
For the first time, they are all working together.
"It's a big deal," said Lawrence Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Smith. "We have a moral obligation to teach our kids and our community the right way to do things and the right way to treat people."
"We had a situation last year when a swastika was found on a mirror," Reichanadter said.
But she and others say less obvious, but just as hurtful, racism can be found in the way schools work.
"I am talking about policies. I am talking about the way deliver instruction, the access of materials," she explained.
There may also be inequities in hiring practices and business policies.
Lighting the stadiums Friday night will be a wake-up call for some.
"Yes, there will be criticism about it," Smith said. "But people will see we are certainly with the issues that took place in Indianapolis."
Issues across the country now shedding light and long overdue attention on racism.