Quincy school leaders asking students to not walk out again over racist videos

QUINCY, Mass. — School administrators in Quincy are asking students to not walk out of their classes again Monday. This comes after hundreds of students walked out of the city’s two high schools Friday, claiming school officials did not take their concerns seriously after a racist video circulated.

The school sent a letter home to parents letting them know some high school students walked out Friday and are planning to walk out of class again. The school is warning students they can only leave if they are signed out by a parent or guardian.

This past Friday, hundreds of students walked out of class at Quincy and North Quincy high schools. The students say they’re upset about a racially disturbing video made last year by a white student giving a hate speech repeating stereotypes. The video was recently shared on Snapchat.

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Boston 25 News has also learned that the principal at Point Webster Middle School sent a letter to parents informing them about a racist video involving three eighth-grade students directed at specific students. The principal says some students may be planning a walkout. Principal Christine Barrett went on to say, “Given the age of our students, I am concerned about student safety. Therefore, students will not be permitted to leave the building.”

In both situations, school administrators say they are hearing the concerns of students, informing students that they can talk about the issues with their teacher or counselors. But students should not be walking out of valuable learning time.

Dear Quincy Public Schools Students, Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

We are writing to follow up regarding the student walkout that occurred this past Friday, November 12. Please be assured that the district has heard and acknowledges the concerns of students and families regarding systemic racism within our school community and is taking steps to address them as quickly and comprehensively as possible. It has come to the district’s attention through social media that high school students may be planning another walkout on Monday, November 15, 2021. While the district recognizes the importance of student protest, particularly when it addresses serious concerns about racism within our school community, we cannot continue to have students leave school and miss valuable educational time.

Therefore, please be advised that students are not permitted to leave their school buildings without being dismissed by a parent or guardian. If students do choose to leave their school buildings they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and meet with the principal to return to school that day. As with any absence, if students leave school and do not return, they will be held responsible for assignments not completed during the class periods they do not attend.

It is critically important that we as a community are unified in our effort to use our educational resources to end racism. This must be a collaborative approach and making sure that our students attend and remain in school is an important part of this collaboration. We ask that you encourage your students to seek out trusted adults at school (for example, teachers, guidance staff, deans, coaches, or administrators) to share their experiences and concerns. As always, we are available to speak with you at the phone numbers below.

Sincerely,

Kevin W. Mulvey, J.D., Superintendent of Schools, 617-984-8701

Keith S. Ford, Principal, North Quincy High School, 617-984-8744

Lawrence R. Taglieri, Principal, Quincy High School, 617-376-3352

—  Quincy Public Schools

Dear Point Webster Middle School Community,

I am writing to you about an incident involving inappropriate use of technology by students. On Friday, November 12, I was notified about a video recording that involved three Grade 8 students that contained racist language directed at specific students at Point Webster Middle School. The video has been shared within the school community and is very disturbing to all of us. The student who was recorded using the targeted racist language is subject to serious disciplinary consequences for their actions.

I have also been made aware that some Point Webster Middle School students may be planning a walkout on Monday, November 15, 2021. Given the age of our students, I am concerned about student safety. Therefore, students will not be permitted to leave the building. We would ask that you reinforce this with your student(s).

Please be advised that we will offer students a safe space within their classrooms to have the opportunity to share their concerns and let their voices be heard by teachers, administrators, and student support staff.

As always, I am available to answer any questions and concerns you may have at 617-984-6600 or christinebarrett@quincypublicschools.com.

Sincerely,

Christine Barrett

Principal

—  Point Webster Middle School

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