Students in Cobb County schools protested at the district’s board meeting on Thursday, demanding tougher punishments for students who allegedly partake in hate speech.
The group claimed that schools have not punished students that displayed racist, sexist, and homophobic speech or behavior. In order to address this, the students argue the code of conduct must be updated.
“Students urged the board to update the district’s code of conduct to the suggested demands. No student shall use any type of profane, vulgar, obscene or offensive language (written or oral) or gestures. Offensive language may include, but is not limited to, disparaging statements on the basis of disability, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion,” the code of conduct already states.
Without providing specific examples, some individuals pointed to social media posts that they have witnessed as evidence for the desired change.
One student argued too much attention has been placed on Critical Race Theory, allowing students to continue discrimination.
“And on top of all of this, the county has found a scapegoat in the ambiguity of Critical Race Theory. The discussions about the so-called ‘dangers’ of CRT have taken away from what Cobb County students really need — an education on right and wrong,” said Kezia Kennedy, noted by the Cobb County Courier. “Somehow, we have let our students slip through the cracks, thinking that bigotry and discrimination are fine so long as whoever says it is carrying a diploma alongside it. I urge every board member to take a look at their priorities and decide what is more important — creating thoughtful and educated students, or ones that really understand subjects like math and English, but not how to respect one another.”
However, a district representative claimed the code of conduct addresses these behaviors.
“Cobb Schools District Policy does not tolerate hateful and racist speech. Our Student Code of Conduct outlines multiple policies and applicable discipline for interpersonal student interactions, including disrespectful conduct, disruptive classroom and school behavior, harassment, electronic devices, and more. The District policies are intended to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all staff and students in Cobb Schools,” the spokesperson told Fox5.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Cobb County protests” by GA Youth Justice Coalition.
