Hillcrest High School Racism Incident Explained
Students at Ottawa’s Hillcrest High School staged a walkout after hearing from some of their peers that they had experienced racism.
For months, there have been allegations of racism at the School, and now the Ottawa Carleton District School Board is looking into the events.
Students are aware that they are not being treated equally to their white counterparts, according to Mae Mason, a member of the Asilu Collective Board.
A community organization called Asilu Collective works to abolish the practice of placing police officers in schools.
They also operate an anonymous reporting system, and they claim many black and racialized kids have come forward with claims of racist staff behavior at Hillcrest High School.
Students at Hillcrest High School in Ottawa took part in a walkout after some students say they have been victims of racist treatment. The school board is investigating. #ottnews https://t.co/oH1UXTvEvD
— 580 CFRA (@CFRAOttawa) June 27, 2022
An 18-year-old statement explains that the first week the principal came to their School, she followed her in the hallway. She said that she did not look like the student was dressed for School and didn’t have a school bag.
Furthermore, the student claims they eventually switched to online instruction to avoid future disputes with the principal.
Mason claims that Asilu has received numerous complaints from racialized pupils alleging that school officials are tailing children through the halls and even into the restroom.
What Happened At Hillcrest High School?
The student of Hillcrest High School went on to say that they are a recent transfer to the School and are worried about returning the following year.
In response to reports of vaping at Hillcrest High School, Ottawa Bylaw Services confirms to CTV News that they were summoned to the location and, on June 17, issued fines for vaping on school grounds.
According to several sources by CTV News, the student who received a nearly $800 punishment is black and was singled out because of her race.
Additionally, Muslim students reported encounters with discrimination. One kid told CTV News that they felt questioned anytime they participated in daily prayers.
Who Is Principal Clinton Alexander? Is He Fired?
Clinton Alexander was born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago. He is a teacher of the second generation. Alexander was a two-sport great athlete at Eastern Illinois University, where he played football and ran track. He obtained a full football scholarship as a local prep school standout.
Beginning his career as an English teacher, Mr. Alexander taught a variety of preps, including AP and honors courses and English electives. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Those Who Excel Award for his contributions to data-driven instruction was his most noteworthy accomplishment as a teacher.
Currently, there are now two petitions seeking the principal’s removal.
The Ottawa Carleton District School Board claims to be aware of the petitions and to be treating the accusations seriously.
In an email, Darcy Knoll, an OCDSB spokesman, stated that “the concerns raised have highlighted to us that there are some students who do not feel that they have a voice.”
On Friday, June 17th, Asilu Collective was made aware of an incident of anti-Black racism and policing at Hillcrest High School. Here is our email to #OCDSB , #OPH , Bylaw and Community Protective Services (CPSO) in solidarity with the students harmed.? 1/26
— Asilu Collective (@asilucollective) June 21, 2022
Advocates say work needs to happen more quickly to prevent more alleged events in the upcoming school year.
The school board is conducting an inquiry, and according to several individuals who spoke with CTV News, pupils are currently engaging with the board’s human rights and equity advisor.