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Healing for South Philadelphia High School Asian Students
The moment that Asian students from South Philadelphia High School have been waiting for finally arrived yesterday, 8 days after the violence they experienced. They were able to meet with District Superintendent Arlene Ackerman and other school officials with translators and community leaders on neutral ground at CCCNC. It was a closed door ‘conversation’ between school officials and over 30 students that comprised of Asian students who have not been back at school since the attacks as well as students that belonged to an Ambassador program. In the end the students were strongly urged to return to school today otherwise absences will be counted against them and ultimately hurt their academic careers. What mattered from when this whole ordeal began was whether these students felt heard or not. It was a really powerful moment for me to see and hear the deep appreciation that these students had for the many leaders that rallied around them to get this conversation going and continue to stand by them. This is just a first step in this process of healing for these students, the school community and the surrounding neighborhood. The goal is healing. It’s going to take more conversations and the efforts of both adults and students to bring healing to this school and community. Apologies help. Empathy too. And of course, forgiveness.
I really wonder, throughout this whole process leading up to today, what have they learned?
Students were told that they can make the difference, they have a voice and it’s basically up to them. This is true to a certain extent but we cannot just place the burden for action and change solely upon the shoulders of students. Adults need to come alongside and speak up for them. That goes for teachers, administration, parents and the rest of us as neighbors. Right now it’s a question of whether these students feel safe enough and are able to trust the adults appointed there to protect, teach and care for them. Many of these students did return to school today but the healing will take time.
Links to Recent News
Asian Students Return to South Phila. HS After Talks
Nutter backs Ackerman’s handling of S. Philly High
Asian Students Back to Class at S. Philly High
Opinion:What are we teaching our kids?RadioTimes on Tensions among students at South Philadelphia High School [mp3, 27mb]
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elderj said...
1They and you have my full support. Students should be able to go to school with out fear.
12/16/09 3:55 PM | Comment Link
Wayne Park said...
2Hey LT – thanx for being a voice and bringing this to larger attention. I’ve been watchign the developments and continue to do so w/ interest..
12/20/09 10:33 PM | Comment Link