Parents and community members in an Ohio town were thoroughly alarmed when unsettling videos surfaced on social media. The videos showed school children using racial slurs and threatening Black people, causing great concern.
WKYC reported that several students who attend Kenston Local Schools in Bainbridge, Ohio, recorded videos of themselves using derogatory language and hate speech.
After watching that particular video, Hollimon was left deeply disturbed. She took immediate action by filing a report with the local police department. In addition, she also reached out to the FBI to file a second report, as she believed that the incident constituted a hate crime.
Hollimon expressed his dismay upon watching the video, stating that he was deeply hurt by it. He emphasized his concern, especially with the numerous cases of mass shootings happening around the country. He raised the question of what would happen if the student featured in the video actually brought a gun and started shooting Black students.
A fellow parent, who shared the same sentiments as Hollimon, demanded the expulsion of the student featured in the video.
Lastacia Mack, a parent, expressed her shock and dismay over a recent incident involving a student who made threats against Black individuals. She stated, “I was appalled by the audacity of this student to call out Black folks in such a manner and threaten their lives. I believe this student should be expelled from Kenston Schools for the safety of all students.”
An eighth-grade student who is growing up shared her fear for herself and her family.
Aria Lemons expressed her fear and concern for her own safety, her family’s safety, and the safety of her community as she watched the videos. She emphasized the importance of treating all people equally and with respect.
After the videos went viral, a significant number of parents expressed their concerns and discontent to the school board members during a district meeting. The impact of the videos was so immense that it sparked a massive response from the community, leaving many parents shaken and disturbed.
During the board meeting, a Black community member expressed their lack of confidence in the board’s ability to safeguard their Black sons and daughters who are enrolled in Kenston Local Schools.
District officials have been accused of turning a blind eye to a “culture of racism” in Kenston Schools by several parents who believe that the videos circulating online serve as evidence. These sentiments have been echoed by concerned parents who remain troubled by the fact that such behavior has gone unchecked for a long time.
During the meeting, Kenston Schools Superintendent Steve Sayer expressed concern over the recent incident and acknowledged the need for the district to take action. “We are very much aware of this incident, and it’s very disturbing,” he stated. “It’s clear that we have some work to do as a district, and administratively, we are working on it.” The district is taking the incident seriously and is committed to addressing the issue at hand.
According to Kenston officials, the ages and grades of the students shown in the videos have not been disclosed yet. However, they have stated that they will be meeting over the summer to develop a plan that will effectively tackle the issues that pose a threat to the safety of students and the inclusivity of the school environment. This plan will be implemented in the upcoming school year.
Amy Sparks, director of communications at Kenston Local Schools, acknowledged that there is a need for improvement and emphasized that the school’s administration is dedicated to addressing this issue. In the coming year, administrators will prioritize this matter and seek the support of students, staff, parents, and the community at large. Sparks emphasized the importance of collective effort and expressed confidence that the school community will work together to find a solution that benefits all students.
The students featured in the videos have yet to receive any official statement regarding their disciplinary actions as the district officials are still in the process of conducting their investigation. The Bainbridge police, on the other hand, have already forwarded the case to a nearby prosecutor’s office for review.
The Kenston School District, located 20 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio, covers several towns and has a student population of over 2,500 across four schools. As per the U.S. News & World Report, the student body is predominantly white, with almost 90 percent of students belonging to this ethnic group. Additionally, roughly 3 percent of the student population identifies as Black.
Disturbing videos have emerged that allegedly show Ohio schoolchildren hurling racial slurs and threatening black people. One of the videos reportedly depicts a child saying, “I want all n—ers to die.” Outraged by the hate speech, a mother has filed a hate crime report with the FBI. The situation is deeply concerning, and it highlights the ongoing issue of racism and bigotry in our society. It’s important that we take a stand against hate speech and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting community for all.
