Outrage at Shawnee Mission East High School Over Suspension of Black Student Attacked by White Peer
Incident Sparks Widespread Criticism and Calls for Change
Students at Shawnee Mission East High School in Kansas have expressed outrage over the administration’s handling of a violent incident involving a Black female student, identified as “Bre,” and a white male student. The altercation, which took place on November 15th, escalated when the male student used racial slurs and physically assaulted Bre, resulting in her hospitalization with a broken nose. The fight, captured on video, shows the male student shouting the N-word multiple times before physically attacking Bre, who defended herself. Both students were suspended following the incident, a decision that has sparked significant controversy and allegations of systemic racism within the school】.
Student Walkouts and Protests
Approximately 100 students walked out of class in protest of Bre’s suspension, criticizing the school for punishing her despite being the victim of the assault. The students accused the school of failing to address systemic racism and a history of ignoring racist incidents. This sentiment was echoed by students interviewed during the protests, who expressed feeling marginalized and fearful due to the school’s inadequate response to racial issues. Another protest was organized by the Defender’s Black Student Solidarity Network outside the Shawnee Mission School District’s Center for Academic Achievement.
Legal Charges and School’s Response
The 15-year-old male student faces felony charges for the assault and has a court hearing scheduled. He was also charged with aggravated assault and battery in a separate case in June. The school district, while unable to disclose specific disciplinary actions, asserted their commitment to a non-discriminatory and harassment-free environment. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe educational space and stated that racially charged language and insults would not be tolerated. The district also highlighted its ongoing efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Demographic Shifts and Policy Enforcement
The Shawnee Mission School District has seen significant demographic changes over the years, with a decrease in the proportion of white students and an increase in Black and Hispanic student populations. Shawnee Mission East remains one of the district’s most predominantly white high schools. The school’s student handbook prohibits coercive, intimidating, violent, or harassing behaviors, including racial attacks. It outlines a tiered disciplinary action chart, categorizing offenses and their respective consequences, including suspensions and expulsions for severe violations.
This incident at Shawnee Mission East High School has not only highlighted the immediate issue of racial violence and the response to it but also brought to the forefront broader concerns about systemic racism and the adequacy of institutional responses to such incidents in educational settings.
