Bloomfield Hills High School parents address school board over racist messages

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BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) – Parents called for an immediate change at a school board meeting Thursday night after several racist incidents at Bloomfield High School.

They say they want less talk and more action for the safety of their children.

“This neighborhood is full of dangers right now and what have you done to remedy it? A parent asked during the meeting.

“I can’t believe there were direct threats against black people in high school to ‘Kill all the n ******’ and you didn’t do anything about it,” another parent said. .

Parents say they are fed up with the council’s response to hate crimes at Bloomfield Hills High School.

“There is no concern for the safety of black children at Bloomfield Hills High School,” said one parent.

Students walked out of school last Friday to protest after a series of recent racist events, including racial slurs and graffiti found on the bathroom wall.

This week Wednesday, more racist graffiti was found in the same bathroom as the previous incident, but this time on the toilet paper dispenser.

The school said the police department was investigating the incident.

From waving signs to drafting policies, high school students have pushed for change.

The Bloomfield Hills High School Student Equity Council presented a report on “hate incident procedures” to the board to help tackle some hate crimes that take place in the district.

“We make sure to provide healing spaces and community spaces. We make sure to provide the emotional psychological support that goes with it, ”said Akita Kotian, senior and director of the Student Equity Council.

While parents are proud of their kids for taking a stand, they said students shouldn’t be the ones fighting for change.

Bloomfield Hills parent Trek Carethers says it’s unfortunate that students are doing the job of elected officials and school administrators.

“We need them to put in place effective policies. I have personally looked at the student code of conduct – it is inadequate,” said one parent.

Jennifer Matlow, the Interim Chair of the Board of Directors, assumed responsibility on behalf of the Board of Directors.

“We did not fight enough and for that we apologize,” said Matlow.

Parents say this is not just about black students, but all kids from marginalized communities.

“White, black, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight, trans, it doesn’t matter how they identify,” said one parent.

Superintendent Patrick Watson says he will lead the next study sessions, but at the moment there are several immediate measures in place to keep students safe.

“Police do daily threat assessments for the high school … additional officers are on site at Bloomfield Hills High School, the Bloomfield Township Police Department has consulted with the FBI,” Watson said.

The superintendent said on Friday he would hold an assembly for students, letting them know racism will not be tolerated. He said he also plans to have this conversation with other high school administrators.

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