COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Black Student Association said racist, sexist, and homophobic slurs are in issue in Cobb County schools and harsher punishments are needed to stop it.
Dozens of students showed up for a silent demonstration at district headquarters on Thursday before speaking at Thursday night’s School Board meeting.
“You’ve said you listened, you haven’t, and we will be there to be heard today,” said Kezia Kennedy. “We feel like the punishments listed in the code of conduct don’t fit the gravity of the actions.”
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Kennedy and Radiya Ajibade are both seniors at Campbell High School and members of the Black Student Association. The group is calling for an automatic 10 day, out-of-school suspension, for those who say or do something deemed racist, sexist or homophobic.
“#NOTYOURWORD. You know, these people we can’t let them say these slurs,” said Ajibade as she referenced a shirt that she wore to the demonstration. “We don’t necessarily want to hurt these people or get them in trouble, but we want them to understand the gravity of their actions.”
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According to the district’s code of conduct, disrespectful and disparaging remarks about race, ethnicity, or religion are considered level one and level two offenses. The maximum action is a 10-day suspension.
Demonstrators said that should be a minimum.
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“You don’t understand what we’re going through. So, at this point, the best that you can do is sympathize with us, because if you don’t, that’s a very bad look on you,” said Ajibade.
“I’m just amazed and blown away, and just pleasantly encourages, that our students, are raising their voice. I want to make sure that they understand how things are happening, in a bigger context as well. There are concerns at the school level. There are concerns at the district level, the state and the country,” School Board member Dr. Jaha Howard.
A Cobb County School District spokesperson sent the following statement:
“Our Student Code of Conduct outlines multiple polices and applicable discipline for interpersonal student interactions, including disrespectful conduct, disruptive classroom and school behavior, harassment, electronic devices, and more. There are also policies that address student interactions with staff. The District policies are intended to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all staff and students in Cobb Schools.”
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