Students at Colonie Central High School in suburban Albany, New York, walked out of class to protest the school district’s response to a viral video showing students using racial slurs, with some questioning whether the disciplinary measures were enough.
The Oct. 19 demonstration drew about 150 students, parents and advocates, according to WRGB, after videos circulated online showing older students making racist remarks at a weekend off-campus homecoming party in Colonie, New York.
Students told the station they wanted the South Colonie Central School District to take stronger action against those involved in the incident.
In the video, a group of unidentified white boys is heard saying racial slurs over and over: yelling “ni–er” and jumping in front of the camera. Students told local outlets that the teens were student-athletes.
The backlash has prompted district officials to increase security at the school, continue investigating the video, and allegedly arrange discussions with students about racism and respectful behavior.
The district said several students had already faced discipline for violating its code of conduct, but officials declined to disclose specific punishments. One student told NewsChannel 13 that the school suspended those involved for three days but still allowed them to play on their sports teams.
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“It’s just like disappointing about how the upperclassmen are portraying themselves to be that type of way,” the student told the station. “They’re supposed to set a good example, and they just weren’t.”
District officials said someone recorded the video off campus, but the incident has forced school leaders to decide how to handle students whose off-campus behavior sparks conflict among classmates.
In a statement emailed to CBS 6 reporter Anthony Krolikowski, district leaders condemned the video and said racism had no place in the school community.
“It is egregious and abhorrent, and racism in any form will never be tolerated at South Colonie Central School District,” the statement read.
Officials said investigations remained underway and additional disciplinary action could follow. They also asked the community to allow the process to continue, noting that the district would not publicly discuss individual students’ consequences.
“We know that recent events have led many in our school community to feel hurt, frustrated, and unheard,” the district said. “We want you to know that we are listening.”
Superintendent David Perry also sent a message to the school community condemning racism. He said the district had disciplined several students and would continue investigating the allegations.
Perry also thanked students who spoke up about the incident.
“We value the students who have spoken up to protect others and to report harmful language,” he wrote.
The district disputed reports that an organized student walkout also took place on Friday, Oct. 16, despite other media accounts describing a demonstration involving roughly 70 students. In its statement, the district said rumors about a walkout had circulated but insisted that no organized walkout occurred that day.
WRGB, however, reported that about 70 students left class to protest the district’s response. The outlet reports that students who walked out received suspensions for breaking the school’s no-cellphone policy and disrupting class time.
Some students also faced disciplinary action on Friday for leaving school because they feared the walkout.
“My daughter got suspended because I told her to leave, not walk out,” one parent said.
Students chanted “Black Lives Matter” and carried signs during the demonstration. School officials told the station that some participating students may have already had plans to leave campus early.
As students returned to class, the district announced additional safety measures. Families could expect a greater presence from the Colonie Police Department, the school safety team, and administrators throughout the day.
School leaders also planned small-group discussions to give students a chance to raise concerns, consider possible solutions, and review expectations for respectful conduct. The district said it wanted students to express their views peacefully without disrupting lessons or compromising safety.
The controversy has placed the district’s handling of the incident under scrutiny. On Tuesday night, dozens packed out the South Colonie school board meeting demanding accountability.
The meeting drew a packed crowd, forcing some attendees to spill into the hallway. Some chanted, “Fire David Perry.”
“I want to see change. “I want to see more black teachers, more black educators, more people who know, who can support us and have our backs because this could be a similar experience they’ve got,” said Kaidra Cody, a senior.
Perry read a statement addressing the incident and the student protests.
“I want to reiterate that racism, discrimination, intolerance, or other forms of bias are wrong. As I’ve said before, it is educators’ responsibility to teach our students and to allow them to learn from mistakes,” Perry said.
