LAMP High School

Alumni Association

Contact Information: For Immediate Release:

Rebecca Seung-Bickley, Interim Communications Chair June 10, 2020
Melina Hettiaratchi, Interim Executive Board Chair
lamphsalumni@gmail.com

Statement from the LAMP High School Alumni Association

On Friday, June 5, 2020 in an unprecedented event, three decades of alumni from both the
Lanier Academic Magnet Program and Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (LAMP)
came together to officially form the LAMP High School Alumni Association. Driven by a desire to
strengthen the LAMP community and legacy, the nascent LAMP High School Alumni Association
(LHSAA) is dedicated to fostering safe and supportive spaces for current and future LAMP students,
families, and faculty; collaborating with the LAMP faculty, the PTSA, and LAMPlighters on
improving diverse and inclusive education; and providing a global mentorship program for current
and future LAMP alumni.
Last week many marginalized voices within the LAMP alumni community spoke up about
instances of racism, queerphobia, and other forms of discrimination they experienced at school.
These experiences revealed instances and patterns over LAMP’s history of ignoring or pushing out
students of color, LGBTQ students, and other vulnerable voices. In response to hearing these
devastating stories, we formed this organization not only to provide a space for those voices to be
heard, but also to ensure that these past experiences inform our collaborations with current faculty
and administrators, students, and parent advocates as we endeavor for equity and cultural
competency in our community. As LAMP alums, we recognize the great privilege we had in
attending such a strong academic program, and we know that our education has given us an
extraordinary advantage in life. It is our education, our commitment to learning, and our connection
with LAMP High School and the city of Montgomery that motivates us to advocate for reform so that
this program, and our hometown, can become the best version of itself.
Over the past few days we have been in touch with several LAMP faculty members who have
been leaders in early discussions. They have demonstrated a sincere commitment to open dialogue,
mitigating their own implicit bias, and elevating voices that have been silenced. We are encouraged
by the ongoing and productive conversations we have had with the LAMP faculty and parent
advocates as they have demonstrated how we can grow and learn together as a community. The
LHSAA has likewise committed to supporting the LAMP faculty with improving cultural literacy in
the curricula, facilitating productive discourse, and implementing meaningful methods for addressing
sensitive issues and events.
Instead of furthering a divide within LAMP, these stories of alumni and student experiences
have launched an advocacy network of alumni, students, and faculty that spans the globe and hopes
to invest in tangible and lasting solutions for the LAMP community and beyond. We are excited to
continue building this relationship and exploring opportunities for growth within ourselves, our alma
mater, and the broader community.

Email: lamphsalumni@gmail.com