Students from Centennial High School and community members planned a walkout Monday to speak up against racism after one student posted screenshots of racist text messages on social media.
The messages reportedly included racial slurs and derogatory comments, highlighting a larger issue of racism and harassment at the Minnesota high school, especially in light of the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents.
Elaina Yang, a junior at Centennial High School, posted the screenshots from a group chat on March 24 in hopes of bringing more awareness to the racism she and other students at the school experience. According to the screenshots, Yang received comments from classmates disparaging her father’s English and saying he should go back to Hong Kong.
“It would mean a lot if people could use their voice and repost this so … the school understands that this is a real issue that needs to be seriously dealt with,” Yang posted on Instagram.
In response to the incident, the school district issued a statement March 26 condemning hatred and racism and said disciplinary action was taken against the students involved after an investigation was conducted. The district also outlined steps for a future equity plan, which includes facilitating listening sessions with students and families, hiring an equity coordinator, and developing a program that gives students the opportunity to reflect and grow from their actions.
After news of the walkout spread online, the district said it would provide a safe space for students and enforce COVID-19 safety protocols.
“To keep our students, staff, and families safe throughout the pandemic, visitors, including the media, are not allowed inside our schools,” the district said.
Students gathered Monday morning, armed with megaphones and posters, saying, “Silence is violence” and “We demand change.”
Photos from the walkout were shared across social media by students.
“Hear us. See us,” Natalie Ennett, a senior at Centennial High School, posted to Instagram.
For current students and alumni alike, the walkout was a space for student voices, especially those belonging to marginalized communities, to be heard.
“The time is now!!” Desi Hennagir posted. “WE WILL BE HEARD.”
However, the walkout was not the first call for equity in the school district. Centennial Community Advocates for Racial Equity, a private Facebook group not officially affiliated with the school district dedicated to promoting anti-racist efforts for students, faculty, and staff, was created in June of 2020. The group has pushed the school district to create a more diverse curriculum and to provide better resources and support for marginalized students.
Centennial Students for Change, a group formed after the death of George Floyd, peacefully marched in the summer of 2020 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Organizers demanded that all faculty and staff be required to undergo anti-racism training, the instatement of structured protocols to handle racist incidents at the school, and for the alleged unequal treatment and punishment of students of color to be addressed.
“A student at Centennial harassed my friend for wearing her hijab and asked if she had a bomb in her backpack. And when she reported it, guess what happened? Nothing,” Joy Ohana said at the march.
Despite the school district’s equity plan created in 2016, students at the march shared that many incidents such as harassment or the use of racial slurs go unreported or dismissed at the predominantly white school district. Other students and speakers demanded change in the surrounding community as well.
Using social media as a tool for mobilization and dissemination, students are becoming more vocal on the changes they want to see in and beyond their community.
“Hopefully this is not a one time thing and we can continue to give a platform to student and alumni voices who represent marginalized communities,” one user commented.
Elaina Yang did not immediately respond to the Daily Dot's request for comment.
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