VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The NAACP called on Virginia Beach Public Schools to take action against racism during Tuesday night’s School Board meeting.
The call to action came several weeks after the Kempsville High School Baseball season was cut short after racist actions were exposed.
“The incidents at Kempsville should serve as a wake up call,” Rev. Gary McCollum, a parent and founder of the grassroots community organization, ‘Due The Right Thing‘ said during the meeting.
While many on the outside were surprised, many baseball moms were not. One mom told the school board, “I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from students enduring derogatory remarks, feeling unwelcome at certain schools hearing racial slurs.”
Others who stood in front of the Virginia Beach School board Tuesday night say its not just happening on the playing fields.
“My own 6th grade daughter has experienced this at a Virginia Beach Middle School,” McCollum said.
“I too can share that my children have experienced this on many occasions,” another parent said.
President of the Virginia Beach branch of the NAACP, Dr. Eric Majette, presented a call to action.
“We call for the Virginia Beach school system to acknowledge the issue. Stop sweeping these complaints aside and figure out how we can improve our education system by decreasing racist incidents,” Majette said.
He asked the school board to provide sensitivity training for all staff and students, and to implement proven programs that will end racist speech and actions that have the potential to harm students emotionally, psychologically and academically.
“We must come together to create a safe, inclusive and respected environment for all students regardless of race ethnicity or background. This is not a moral obligation but a legal and ethical one as well,” McCollum said.
WAVY reached out to the Virginia Beach School District for comment after the meeting. We were referred to a statement released last Friday by Superintendent, Dr. Donald Robertson.
It reads in part: “I am working closely with families and staff to revisit our policies and practices, enhancing our understanding of diverse cultures, and ensuring strict consequences for those who fail to demonstrate respect for all people.”
