Middle school students in Royal Oak, Michigan chanting "Build The Wall!" pic.twitter.com/38vcnN9mnk
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 10, 2016
This is probably one of the worst videos to surface the net this week following the elections. Middle schoolers were chanting “Build the Wall” in their cafeteria.
As you’re watching this video, before you’re quick to say these kids are racist, think about who is saying this to them. Children don’t recognize race but the adults in their homes do and that’s perhaps the sentiment these kids are expressing. This footage comes to us from a middle school in Royal Oak, Michigan and you can hear the kids yell “Build the Wall.” Things like this, as first generation here, just makes me shake my head. Are the children our future? Yes, but they must be taught that this is hate.
The school’s superintendent commented on the situation.
We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all students. We addressed this incident when it occurred. We are addressing it today. We are working with our students to help them understand the impact of their words and actions on others in their school community. Our school district and each building in it works every day to be a welcoming community for all, inclusive and caring, where all students know they are valued, safe and supported.
Because of the strong emotions and intensity of rhetoric that the posting of this incident to social media has elicited, we have had families express concern regarding student safety. Know that we work with our partners in law enforcement on responding to any and all threats that have been or will be made involving our students or schools.
In responding to this incident – indeed in responding to this election – we need to hear each other’s stories, not slogans, we need to work towards understanding, not scoring points, and we need to find a way to move forward that respects and values each and every member of our community. We will be working on this in school today. Please work on this with us.
This response sounds a tad dephthless response considering her students are being viewed as potential racists.