N word at Whitman

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of thing that gives me pause about sending my kids to a school like Whitman. Yes, the academics are good by public school standards, but then you have a huge lack of diversity to contend with. If the school's make-up was more like BCC the N word wouldn't be getting thrown around like that because there would be a fear of peer-to-peer repercussions. Which is much more impactful than adults slapping them on the wrist.

Have you been at places around BCC at lunchtime? There is plenty of the N word from all races. And I’m sure a other more diverse schools in the area too.

Black kids using it among each other is a completely different scenario than two white kids ganging up on a black kid and saying it. I'm sure I don't need to break that down for you?

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

I love how (I'm guessing mostly white) people are suddenly so stupid they can't understand what a racial slur is or how it works.

"But if a black kid says it to another black kid it should be treated in exactly the same way as a white kid saying it to a black kid because it's exactly the same!!"

Seriously...? This is why Kaepernick feels the need to take a knee. Wake up.

Seriously? Are you an idiot? And, do you really think this is why Kaepernick takes a knee?

[Anonymous]

I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

That is true. Huge push in MCPS to not suspend or expel AA/Latino kids, so I think your DD should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

So anyone? Black, White, Latino?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

So anyone? Black, White, Latino?

I'm sure you know what I mean. Why don't you have your kid try calling a black kid that name at school tomorrow? I'm sure that will clarify it for you. Please report back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

Context is relevant here, eh?

Absolutely not. If the word is offensive, it's offensive. I don't care who says it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of thing that gives me pause about sending my kids to a school like Whitman. Yes, the academics are good by public school standards, but then you have a huge lack of diversity to contend with. If the school's make-up was more like BCC the N word wouldn't be getting thrown around like that because there would be a fear of peer-to-peer repercussions. Which is much more impactful than adults slapping them on the wrist.

Have you been at places around BCC at lunchtime? There is plenty of the N word from all races. And I’m sure a other more diverse schools in the area too.

Black kids using it among each other is a completely different scenario than two white kids ganging up on a black kid and saying it. I'm sure I don't need to break that down for you?

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

I love how (I'm guessing mostly white) people are suddenly so stupid they can't understand what a racial slur is or how it works.

"But if a black kid says it to another black kid it should be treated in exactly the same way as a white kid saying it to a black kid because it's exactly the same!!"

Seriously...? This is why Kaepernick feels the need to take a knee. Wake up.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This 1000 Times.

If you so vehemently disagree, please explain to us why it is perfectly OK for black children to use this racial slur. Go ahead. We're all waiting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a different perspective. I think the principal was showing that he was taking the matter seriously and that such behavior would not be tolerated. Using offensive and demeaning language like this was a problem when my kid was at Pyle last year and I thought the principal there (Nardi) handled it terribly. Kids were running around heiling Hitler and calling people dirty Jews and using the N word and the F word willy nilly and no one did anything about it. It was depressing.

I agree PP. Pyle must have the worst school culture in Maryland. I wish the community super would step in and do something about the place. The whole "it's nice to be nice" messages the principal sends all the time drive me crazy. There's so much corniness and cluelessness, and in the end let's be real--the a--holes run the show at Pyle. No teeth behind anything, just trite sayings.

Someone is all stocked up on sour grapes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of thing that gives me pause about sending my kids to a school like Whitman. Yes, the academics are good by public school standards, but then you have a huge lack of diversity to contend with. If the school's make-up was more like BCC the N word wouldn't be getting thrown around like that because there would be a fear of peer-to-peer repercussions. Which is much more impactful than adults slapping them on the wrist.

Have you been at places around BCC at lunchtime? There is plenty of the N word from all races. And I’m sure a other more diverse schools in the area too.

Black kids using it among each other is a completely different scenario than two white kids ganging up on a black kid and saying it. I'm sure I don't need to break that down for you?

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

I love how (I'm guessing mostly white) people are suddenly so stupid they can't understand what a racial slur is or how it works.

"But if a black kid says it to another black kid it should be treated in exactly the same way as a white kid saying it to a black kid because it's exactly the same!!"

Seriously...? This is why Kaepernick feels the need to take a knee. Wake up.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This 1000 Times.

If you so vehemently disagree, please explain to us why it is perfectly OK for black children to use this racial slur. Go ahead. We're all waiting.

For the same reason Trump supporters gleefully call themselves "deplorables". You take away the power of the word when you use it as your own, but with a different spin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the e-mail from the principal.

Dear Parents,

I am writing to express concern about two recent serious incidents that occurred at school. Our staff is committed to ensuring that the climate at Whitman High School is a positive one where all students feel valued and respected. Unfortunately, in the past week, there have been two incidents in which students have used the racially offensive “N” word towards another student. These acts are unacceptable in our school community. The offending students were disciplined according to the Montgomery County Public Schools Code of Conduct, and we also involved our school’s resource police officer. The students also participated in restorative conversations.

After the first incident, I made the following school-wide announcement to the staff and students repeating what had been shared in classes the second day of school:

Be respectful of adults and of each other. Embrace, accept, respect, and celebrate the diversity we enjoy at Whitman. Everyone has a right to feel safe and comfortable in school. Be courteous. Be kind to others. Derogatory name-calling of any type is unacceptable with strong school consequences for any racist expressions, gender-charged words, and sexual identity references.

Administrators then started visiting all English classes to repeat these expectations, a task that will be completed next week. Unfortunately, a second incident occurred today, so I am seeking your assistance. Please talk to your students giving them counsel and reinforcing our expectations to stop making such hurtful statements. Please emphasize that everyone who walks into this school deserves to feel welcome and safe. I will be working with staff and student leaders to determine what additional steps we can take to enhance the inclusiveness of our school community.

I again want to emphasize the seriousness of this situation. As your principal, I am disappointed to have to share this, and I want you to know that I feel a deep responsibility to maintain an accepting school environment that is intolerant of hate speech.


Sincerely,

Alan Goodwin

OK, how exactly is this sending parents and students to sensitivity training? He is asking you to speak to your child to reinforce a message of tolerance and respect. If you think this is absurd, then you are probably a racist.

+1. OP is spreading blatant misinformation.

OP here. It was not 1 email but 2, within 12 hours. Not misinformation. Children test limits? No?? Were the two children acting out, are they really racists, are they just causing trouble, are they pranking? Did they even use the words in the context everyone is assuming, two white kids bullying a black kid. We don't know anything except a racial slur was uttered.

I think that is inappropriate but two emails to every parent in the school? For a moment of adolescent stupidity? Remember we have kids stabbed and raped in MCPC schools and we get mum until the schools are forced to comment. But now every child in every English class in the school is going to get mandatory training from the Administrators about something they already know. Yes high kids do know this is a racial slur. But that's it... tis a word. No crime was committed here. And for the Dad telling your child to commit assault and battery and get away with it?? How about a simple reply of 'f' you?? Again not an appropriate word in school but a word likely uttered every day and likely no emails are sent out to every parent... twice. And no mandatory training for the entire school.

Kids seeing the Principle going 'posta'l over a stupid wold... the principle threatening severe consequences over a word? Get a grip everybody. I think the children are being taught a lesson alright but not the right one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of thing that gives me pause about sending my kids to a school like Whitman. Yes, the academics are good by public school standards, but then you have a huge lack of diversity to contend with. If the school's make-up was more like BCC the N word wouldn't be getting thrown around like that because there would be a fear of peer-to-peer repercussions. Which is much more impactful than adults slapping them on the wrist.

Have you been at places around BCC at lunchtime? There is plenty of the N word from all races. And I’m sure a other more diverse schools in the area too.

Black kids using it among each other is a completely different scenario than two white kids ganging up on a black kid and saying it. I'm sure I don't need to break that down for you?

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

I love how (I'm guessing mostly white) people are suddenly so stupid they can't understand what a racial slur is or how it works.

"But if a black kid says it to another black kid it should be treated in exactly the same way as a white kid saying it to a black kid because it's exactly the same!!"

Seriously...? This is why Kaepernick feels the need to take a knee. Wake up.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This 1000 Times.

If you so vehemently disagree, please explain to us why it is perfectly OK for black children to use this racial slur. Go ahead. We're all waiting.

For the same reason Trump supporters gleefully call themselves "deplorables". You take away the power of the word when you use it as your own, but with a different spin.

There is no different spin. It is a derogatory term no matter who says it. Black people that say it sound like trash. They know it too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

Great another future Starbucks barista with an attitude in the making

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the kind of thing that gives me pause about sending my kids to a school like Whitman. Yes, the academics are good by public school standards, but then you have a huge lack of diversity to contend with. If the school's make-up was more like BCC the N word wouldn't be getting thrown around like that because there would be a fear of peer-to-peer repercussions. Which is much more impactful than adults slapping them on the wrist.

Have you been at places around BCC at lunchtime? There is plenty of the N word from all races. And I’m sure a other more diverse schools in the area too.

Black kids using it among each other is a completely different scenario than two white kids ganging up on a black kid and saying it. I'm sure I don't need to break that down for you?

Really? So, the word should be banned at school only if uttered by certain students? Got it.

I love how (I'm guessing mostly white) people are suddenly so stupid they can't understand what a racial slur is or how it works.

"But if a black kid says it to another black kid it should be treated in exactly the same way as a white kid saying it to a black kid because it's exactly the same!!"

Seriously...? This is why Kaepernick feels the need to take a knee. Wake up.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. This 1000 Times.

If you so vehemently disagree, please explain to us why it is perfectly OK for black children to use this racial slur. Go ahead. We're all waiting.

For the same reason Trump supporters gleefully call themselves "deplorables". You take away the power of the word when you use it as your own, but with a different spin.

There is no different spin. It is a derogatory term no matter who says it. Black people that say it sound like trash. They know it too.

You're being silly. Of course, there is a different meaning when blacks use the word vs whites. Surely you recognize that language and expression is thick with layered meaning. Is it classy? No. But in group use of the term clearly has a different meaning, and the meaning is more tongue in cheek and less derogatory. We don't get to both oppress black people and then also dictate to them how they are allowed to process their oppression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is the e-mail from the principal.

Dear Parents,

I am writing to express concern about two recent serious incidents that occurred at school. Our staff is committed to ensuring that the climate at Whitman High School is a positive one where all students feel valued and respected. Unfortunately, in the past week, there have been two incidents in which students have used the racially offensive “N” word towards another student. These acts are unacceptable in our school community. The offending students were disciplined according to the Montgomery County Public Schools Code of Conduct, and we also involved our school’s resource police officer. The students also participated in restorative conversations.

After the first incident, I made the following school-wide announcement to the staff and students repeating what had been shared in classes the second day of school:

Be respectful of adults and of each other. Embrace, accept, respect, and celebrate the diversity we enjoy at Whitman. Everyone has a right to feel safe and comfortable in school. Be courteous. Be kind to others. Derogatory name-calling of any type is unacceptable with strong school consequences for any racist expressions, gender-charged words, and sexual identity references.

Administrators then started visiting all English classes to repeat these expectations, a task that will be completed next week. Unfortunately, a second incident occurred today, so I am seeking your assistance. Please talk to your students giving them counsel and reinforcing our expectations to stop making such hurtful statements. Please emphasize that everyone who walks into this school deserves to feel welcome and safe. I will be working with staff and student leaders to determine what additional steps we can take to enhance the inclusiveness of our school community.

I again want to emphasize the seriousness of this situation. As your principal, I am disappointed to have to share this, and I want you to know that I feel a deep responsibility to maintain an accepting school environment that is intolerant of hate speech.


Sincerely,

Alan Goodwin

OK, how exactly is this sending parents and students to sensitivity training? He is asking you to speak to your child to reinforce a message of tolerance and respect. If you think this is absurd, then you are probably a racist.

+1. OP is spreading blatant misinformation.

OP here. It was not 1 email but 2, within 12 hours. Not misinformation. Children test limits? No?? Were the two children acting out, are they really racists, are they just causing trouble, are they pranking? Did they even use the words in the context everyone is assuming, two white kids bullying a black kid. We don't know anything except a racial slur was uttered.

I think that is inappropriate but two emails to every parent in the school? For a moment of adolescent stupidity? Remember we have kids stabbed and raped in MCPC schools and we get mum until the schools are forced to comment. But now every child in every English class in the school is going to get mandatory training from the Administrators about something they already know. Yes high kids do know this is a racial slur. But that's it... tis a word. No crime was committed here. And for the Dad telling your child to commit assault and battery and get away with it?? How about a simple reply of 'f' you?? Again not an appropriate word in school but a word likely uttered every day and likely no emails are sent out to every parent... twice. And no mandatory training for the entire school.

Kids seeing the Principle going 'posta'l over a stupid wold... the principle threatening severe consequences over a word? Get a grip everybody. I think the children are being taught a lesson alright but not the right one.

I agree with much of what you say. Overkill for sure. Especially without some additional context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm AA. I have told my daughter that if anyone ever calls her that at school, to go ahead and kick their ass. I could care less about the sensitivity training. I just want to make sure that particular person does not call my daughter that again. And my daughter won't get suspended or expelled.

Great another future Starbucks barista with an attitude in the making

I'd hire her DD- a proud black women who stands her ground- over your racially entitled daughter anyday.