19th Legislative Open House addressing Racism & Affects on Campus Climate
Sacramento, CA, March 15, 2018 – Events that have recently transpired at California high schools - C.K. McClatchy, Mira Loma, Pleasant Grove and Helix in San Diego - have forced many California school districts to examine how they deal with complaints of racial harassment and discrimination. BYLP is excited to welcome Dr. Wes Bellamy at this year's event.
As former Vice Mayor and current City Councilor in Charlottesville, VA, he knows a thing or two about dealing with the ugliness of racism. Charlottesville recently made headlines after the "alt-right" movement took its protest to Charlottesville causing chaos, resulting in three deaths.
Lorreen Pryor, BYLP President, states, “I hope this event will empower Black Youth to become their own best advocates and to not be shy in speaking up about things that are bothering them. In addition, emboldening them to take their complaints to those in charge that have the power to change school district policies."
In January of 2018, after a local student was targeted by classmates and teachers for speaking up about the racial climate on campus, BYLP assumed the role of collecting and tracking complaints of racial harassment and discrimination across California school districts.
"Students should feel safe at school and we want to know why these districts are not stepping in to protect Black students" said Pryor.