About 100 students walked out of class recently at a Portland-area high school after they say a video surfaced on social media showing a student using racial slurs.
Protesting students at Tigard High were joined by school superintendent Sue-Ricke Smith.
“We are absolutely all about student empowerment and student voice. We follow the law, and the law is clear. Students do not shed their constitutional rights at the front door. This is their opportunity to demonstrate through civil disobedience and their voice and how it’s impacted them,” Smith said to Fox12.
Students say they felt relieved after seeing so many speak out about the video.
“When we had a chance to share experiences, we all could relate to what has happened,” said sophomore Keiry Muhammad , to KOIN6. “It’s been happening not just like, recently, but for years, like racism or slurs being called to people of color or other races.”
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According to NBC News, in the video a student sitting on her bed utters slurs demeaning to Asians, Muslims, Blacks, and Latinos. Another student can be heard apparently encouraging her.
Principal Brian Bailey confirmed the existence of the video in a letter sent to parents, reported Pamplin Media.
“I am writing to share with you a disturbing social media incident that occurred over the holiday weekend,” Bailey wrote in the email. “This situation in no way represents our districts’ values or our commitment to ensuring every student that walks through our doors feels welcome, respected, and safe. Additionally, it goes against everything Tigard High School (THS) stands for.”
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