The Classical Academy confronts racism
Story By: David Tauchen
Source: KOAA
Published Thu Feb 12, 2009, 05:11 PM MST
Updated Thu Feb 12, 2009, 08:01 PM MST
Administrators at The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs say they are confronting the racism that a 16-year-old girl claims forced her to leave the school.
"I want to make sure that the student that left is the last victim of harassment at TCA," said Peter Hilts, Principal of the high school.
On Monday, the 16-year-old victim told her story to the board of The Classical Academy, claiming she was repeatedly bullied because of the color of her skin. She claimed it started with the election of President Barack Obama. Administrators say they confronted the perpetrators at that time, but another group of students continued the racial harassment around the time of Obama's inauguration. She has since moved to another school within the district.
"When we tolerate these things, that's what we become as a school and as a society," said Mark Hyatt, President of the Classical Academy.
At an assembly Thursday, Hilts told students if they insist on being racist they can leave the school. He also encouraged students to speak out against intolerance, report any incidents, and take pride in how their school is perceived from the outside.
"It makes us look bad as a school. It makes me feel not only angry but just saddened," said Christian Turner, a junior.
Friday, staff will attend a workshop on how to address the problem. Administrators say racism will be part of a constant dialogue they will keep with students. They say the perpetrators who originally harassed the students have not re-offended.