Students in Whiteland near Indianapolis received suspensions after a fight broke out when Sikh students attempted to stand up against what they called “harassment and physical assault.”
WRTV reports the Sikh Coalition is calling for a full investigation of the incident at Whiteland Community High School.
The civil rights group says students began filming Sikhs eating lunch in the cafeteria and badgered them about their turbans. When one of the Sikhs asked them to stop videotaping, he says they physically assaulted them and made racist statements.
“I am shaken by what happened to me, and frustrated that I am being punished for being targeted and beaten,” one student said in a statement released by the Sikh Coalition. To attack another person’s faith — to strike at my turban — is completely unacceptable. No one should have to face that threat anywhere, let alone at school.”
That student’s name has not been released. The Indy Star reports he had to be treated by the school nurse for injuries.
The incident has inspired alumni at the school to tweet about their own experiences
The Sikh Coalition alleges what happened at Whiteland Community High School is not isolated.
“We believe there is a pattern of bullying Punjabi Sikh students — especially those wearing turbans — that has gone unaddressed by WCHS administrators,” said Amrith Kaur Aakre, Sikh Coalition Legal Director. “We expect officials from the school to address this concern, rescind our client’s suspension and provide him with tutoring for the instruction he has now missed, and share a plan for the safety of him and other students like him.”
The district called the claims made on social media exaggerated and said it values the diversity of all its students.
“We will not tolerate any type of racism, bigotry violence or discrimination in our schools and we have worked tirelessly to bring about a culture that supports diversity, equity and inclusion within the school district,” the district said.
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How about starting with changing their school name! WHITELAND? Wow.