Crisis in Colorado Schools As Outrage Grows Over Handling of Racist Student Video
A Colorado community is in turmoil following the circulation of a disturbing video by a middle school student expressing racist sentiments towards Black people. Families in the Cherry Creek School District, Denver's metro-area, have raised concerns about potential racial violence among school-aged children.
The district swiftly addressed the issue, acknowledging that a West Middle School student created a racist video outside of school, which was then shared in a group message in September. The school district took immediate action, involving law enforcement and imposing serious disciplinary repercussions on students responsible for such behaviour.
However, there is growing outrage among Black leaders and residents as the student behind the video has not been expelled even two months after its emergence. The video features a white student engaging in a reprehensible racist tirade, using derogatory language and anti-Black stereotypes.
While the school district remains committed to protecting students' privacy rights and refrains from discussing specific disciplinary actions, the lack of expulsion has sparked frustration. The NAACP Rocky Mountain Chapter held a news conference condemning the administration for delayed action, emphasizing that this incident indicates a larger problem in the state.
Concerns have been raised about public safety, with families expressing worries about whether the child's parents have firearms in their home. The NAACP is calling on local police, the FBI, and the State Bureau of Investigation to look into the incident as a potential public safety issue.
The school district emphasizes combating hate and supporting impacted students and families. However, members of the community, including the mother of a student who reported the video, argue that racial harassment has increased, and students of colour no longer feel safe. The NAACP is actively involved, urging a thorough investigation into the incident to address the broader societal issue of racism impacting schools.
