As Detroit residents for over 40 years with two children who attended
public schools, we find Governor Snyder’s policy to deny Detroit
students school-provided breakfast and lunch deplorable. Over 50% of
Detroit lives under the poverty line as a consequence of the deindustrialization of our city, and the irresponsible speculation in Wall
St. financial markets in 2008. The meals provided through our schools
are often the only meals children get. Denying Detroit’s children – who
are overwhelmingly children of color – the nutrition they need, effects
their brain development and condemns them to limited opportunities.
This is what “institutional racism” looks like, and it must end.
Karen & Frank Hamme