Shaler students, alumni demand action to address alleged racism in schools

Shaler Area School Board on Wednesday heard a barrage of stories from students and alumni who detailed racism in district schools.

Nearly 100 people attended a remote meeting to share their experiences, with organizers using discomfort as a springboard to seek social justice and demand actions to create inclusivity.

“You might be feeling defensive and uncomfortable, but that’s OK,” said Audrey Schreiber. “Our feelings are not more important than creating a welcoming community for all.”

A petition circulated by a group of alumni garnered more than 900 signatures to demand action from the board. They want inclusion training for staff, enhanced support for minorities and an updated and more thorough Black history curriculum.

Requests for comment from the district were not immediately answered.

Taylor Charity, a 2020 graduate and co-creator of the high school’s Students of Color Union, recounted having to explain to a classmate the history of the Confederate flag. She told board members that a racial slur written on a bathroom sink was cleaned off but not addressed by faculty.

“We need to raise awareness,” she said. “This is really overdue.”

Participants told the board that it is a disservice to classify racism as solely hate speech or violence against minorities. They want changes that address “hurtful side glances,” white privilege and a lack of diversity in staffing.

“I will never experience what my black classmates do,” said Zoe Babbit, junior board representative. “But I see it and everyone sees it.”

Superintendent Sean Aiken pledged the district’s commitment and apologized for the hurt felt by some.

“It’s disappointing and disturbing,” he said. “As educators, we stand together in our commitment to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all of our students and families.”

Over the course of the summer, the district will take action with short- and long-term goals, Aiken said.

The district is forming an advisory board with experts and professionals in matters of race and equity. A series of small group meetings in the coming weeks are being planned to continue the discussion. Updates will be posted to the district website.

Alum Roman Benty, class of 2012, asked for continued accountability. Benty is among the group that penned the letter and petition to the board, and works at the Millvale Community Library.

“I consistently hear from kids that they feel discriminated against for their level of income and color of skin,” he said. “Our duty as adults is to make sure that is changed.”

Zach Reed, a 2018 graduate and current Point Park student, urged the board to do a better job representing marginalized groups in the curriculum.

“It is difficult to find your place in the world when no one in leadership looks like you,” he said.

Organizers asked for minority representation in faculty, voices and studies.

“If we fail to adequately address systematic racism, that where lives will be lost,” said Stephanie McGee, a 2012 graduate. “We want to create global citizens who appreciate and communicate with students in their own classes. There is a gap in the curriculum that is keeping students from reaching their full potential.”

In an emailed statement, Aiken said the district appreciates the courage of those who spoke.

“It is disheartening to hear about any negative experience that a student has while in our district, and we need to do more and will do more to support our students. In recent years, we have increased our focus on respect districtwide, but there is still much room for growth in the district to teach inclusion, equity, equality, and anti-racism as well as diversifying the curriculum to be more inclusive of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.) We appreciate our community for encouraging this conversation because we will be able to accomplish more with their support.”