Students Hold Sit-In At Albany High School

ALBANY, CA — Students at Albany High School held a sit-in today to protest anti-Semitic and racist happenings at the school.

The first was on March 8. According to a letter to the community jointly signed by the school's principal, Jeff Anderson, and district Superintendent Val Williams, "On March 8th, AHS administrators were notified that a group of seven 9th graders had been engaging in Nazi salutes to each other when passing in the halls. While administrators were alerted to this behavior on March 8th, upon further investigation, it was determined that these students were making these salutes to each other for several months. The vice principal immediately brought these students into the office, determined what occurred, contacted their parents, and took appropriate action."

Then, on March 20, students reported to the school that three students had posted racist memes on social media. Several other students "liked" the memes.

The district responded with another message, on March 27, to the community, "It is important that our AUSD students, parents, staff and community knows that we are moving as quickly, proactively, and thoughtfully as possible in response to the recent racism and hate that surfaced last week at Albany High School. We also want the Albany community to know that we are responding with systemic action and using this as a teachable moment for all AUSD students."

Efforts include a student-organized All School Assembly, a series of facilitated restorative circles with all AHS juniors and listening to concerned students at this week's school board meeting.

But students want more. They are asking that the students responsible for the racist memes be expelled.

In response to the sit-in, the superintendent sent a letter to the community Thursday evening:

March 30, 2017

AUSD Parents, Staff, Students, & Community,

Today students at Albany High School peacefully demonstrated their solidarity against intolerance, racism, and hatred. Also on campus today, the students involved in an incident that occurred last week participated in a restorative justice process. What was made clear from these separate but related actions is that the student body stands together in its message that our school stands for inclusion. To any questions concerning consequences for the students whose online conduct prompted these events, our district administration and legal counsel are closely examining all available options. Beyond that, I can offer no other comment at this time, as I must not only protect the fidelity of the process but also strictly observe all legal protocols and timelines so that the district can take swift and appropriate action.

Today, there was a student sit-in. I want to assure our community that the students' voices are heard. They exercised their right to gather, speak their minds and share their concerns. They were respectful throughout the day.
Our district has two clear calls to action. First, the incident that triggered this movement is being taken very seriously. To see that justice is done, we must follow the law. Second, I can see that what began as an intolerable social media incident has cast a spotlight on concerns about racism and intolerance on campus.

Now is the time for our district to begin the healing process. We are taking an honest look at the policies, practices and expectations that will underscore our commitment to safe and welcoming schools for all.

We are scheduling a Board meeting for April 18th where we will be discussing these policies.

I was informed that there were an altercations when students were exiting campus. We are gathering information and will conduct an investigation.

We want all Albany High School families to know that the school is on the a Monday bell schedule and the Freshman debates will continue as planned tomorrow.

Val Williams, Superintendent