Stock image from: ivanastar
A young Black student was allegedly terrorized by white classmates and the school is refusing to expel those involved. Back in January, according to Bath Chronicle, a Black student at a secondary school in the UK was reportedly tied up to a lamp post, whipped with sticks and called racial expletives in a “mock slave auction”. Seven white students took part in the incident during a lunch period.
Local newspapers claim they are refusing to name the school to protect the victim’s identity. The victim’s parents have declined to comment on the incident but other parents confronted school officials about not being notified until weeks after the incident took place. Some expressed disappointment that the school is sending the wrong message to Black children. “The boy it happened to is just the sweetest little thing ever. He’s so sweet and kind and gentle. It just makes it even worse.” Adding, “They believe nothing will happen to white children if they behave badly but something happens to them.”
Three of the students involved were originally expelled by the headteacher or principal but then brought back after the school board overturned the principal’s decision. The board decided to suspend all seven students for two weeks instead.
The incident gathered steam again after the local publication, Bath Chronicle contacted some parents and the school to alert them their coverage of the incident was running on Monday, March 13. The school followed up with a letter to parents and staff, “We have today become aware of media interest in an incident which took place in January and involved a group of established friends and related to a single incident of unacceptable behavior within the school grounds.
“A full investigation was instigated in line with both internal school procedures and Department of Education requirements, including contact with the police.
“You can be assured that the school has taken this incident exceptionally seriously and that our absolute priority was, and remains, that the right path is taken for all those involved as well as the wider school community.
“Given the on-going police investigation and the need to protect all those involved, you will understand that it has been necessary to maintain confidentiality and consequently that the school does not wish to comment further.”
