Don’t Trust
USM
OUR STORY
We are proud parents of two biracial sons who we were excited to enroll at the University School of Milwaukee (USM) five years ago, largely because the school promised to provide a “supportive, inclusive community built on the foundation of… Common Trust.”
As stated on USM’s website, a “Guiding Principle” that informs the Common Trust is “Recognition of and respect for the diversity of backgrounds and experiences is fundamental to building a learning community where students learn to think broadly, critically, and independently.”
Unfortunately, what we experienced at the school revealed that those are hollow words and lofty promises that do not reflect the true character of USM, the values that undergird its curriculum, or the way they treat “the other” in their community. We encourage you to read more about our experience and why we feel compelled to speak out and take legal action against USM.
— Kelly and Craig Robinson
AN OPEN LETTER
As parents of biracial children, it was important to us that they learn in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, and we trusted USM to live up to its commitment.
We never could have anticipated that five years later USM would use the “Common Trust” to justify summarily dismissing our sons from the school. USM did so in a completely arbitrary manner with no notice, no chance to appeal, and no credible explanation for why USM would take such Draconian action against two children – children recognized by the school to be model students and, in the school’s own words, “portraits of a graduate.”
OUR CALL TO ACTION
We are advocating for all children and for every family.
We encourage you to read more about our experience and the experiences of other families whose children attended USM, and why we feel compelled to speak out and take legal action against the school.
You can join us by signing our petition, sharing our story, or sharing your own story.
Open Letter
FAQs
Our Lawsuit