Students Protest 'Racial Bullying' at Marblehead High School

MARBLEHEAD, MA - After an alleged incident of racial bullying at Marblehead High School, students and community organizers protested at the school on Thursday afternoon.

In a post on their Facebook page, the Marblehead Racial Justice Team reported "racist threats" against an African-American at the school.

"Another incident of racist threats against the young black boy at the high school! Racial Bullying!! Retaliation is happening! He is shook and scared!! Just a bunch of words being said to try and appease; NO ACTION! They want this quiet! Swept away!! SO WRONG MARBLEHEAD.

The Marblehead Racial Justice Team (MRJT) was formed as a community organization dedicated to dismantling racism in Marblehead and beyond a little over a year ago.

Marblehead Racial Justice Team member Mary Gardner said she first learned of the incident last night from a high school parent in the group.

Marblehead Public School sent out an email to parents on behalf Superintendent of Marblehead Schools Maryann Perry on Wednesday night addressing the issue.

There have been two race based incidents that have been reported to Principal Bauer that are in violation of our student code of conduct. I am writing to share with you it has been brought to my attention there is going to be a peaceful student walkout at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow as a result of these incidents. The administration is working to support all students and staff through open dialogue and communication. Central Administration along with the Marblehead High School administration will be available for all students who would like to have a dialogue concerning these incidents.

In the email, Principal Bauer said he and Superintendent Perry would be available all day on Thursday to meet with any student and staff.

We will be in the Main Office Conference room. We want to let students know that we hear you, you have a voice and that you will be able to engage with us now, in a personal manner than what is planned for 12 o’clock.

According to Gardner, a Marblehead High School student called a freshman by the "N-Word" about a week ago. The administration at the school reprimanded him by suspending the instigator.

About a week later, the same freshman student was again targeted, this time by a different abuser.

On Wednesday night, parents of Marblehead High School received an email.

"Some of the students of color got together and saw that nothing was really happening and decided to organizer a protest," Gardner said.

At noon on Thursday, about 100 students left the school, congregating near the front entrance. Gardner said it was well organized and featured written speeches from five students.

Gardner attended the protest with a few members of the MRJT, and said students led chants, held up signs and spoke about how "the Marblehead community should support, love and accept each other."

"I think its easy to be angry but these students had a very strong, smart and positive message," she said.

In the wake of both incidents, Marblehead Schools administration are accused of trying to keep the incident quiet. On Thursday, Perry banned all media from the Marblehead High School campus.

Gardner said both students and teachers were instructed not to talk about the incident.

"Outside of the school on Thursday, one concerned parent came to see what was going on," Gardner said. "She had received the email on Wednesday and asked the guidance counselor what was going on. She was then told by the guidance counselor that it was confidential and he couldn't talk about it."

Concerning the ban on media at the school, Marblehead Police Department Chief Robert Picariello referred all inquiries to the Superintendent’s Office

Superintendent of Marblehead Schools Maryann Perry did not return a request for comment. According to Marblehead High School's Bullying Policy, the school employs several strategies and interventions prevent further incidences of bullying and/or retaliation, including disciplinary action, teaching through skill building or promoting safety for the target.

Gardner said she's both proud of the students that protested and angered that the initial incident occurred.

"I'm inspired and gratified the students spoke up," she said. "But' m also angry that it's needed. These issued have been hidden for too long and it's good that they're finally getting out into the open. More people need to join this discussion."

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