Hundreds of students walked out of class Wednesday in Brookline, Massachusetts, upset after several recent racist incidents.
Two widely-circulated social media videos are among the issues that have bothered Brookline High School students.
"The videos made me feel like I didn't mean anything to them, like they could say anything they want to the Black community," Darius Grant, a student at Brookline High School, said Wednesday.
Students say they're disturbed not just by the videos, but also by several other incidents that took place at school.
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"Incidents like this happen all the time — kids in the hallway saying the N-word, screaming racial slurs, screaming things that shouldn't be said, videos going out," said student Jade Ashley-Weintraub.
In a statement, Brookline Superintendent Dr. Linus Guillory and Anthony Meyer, head of schools said, "The events that transpired today at Brookline High School are a teachable moment for all of us in the Public Schools of Brookline."
The statement went on to call students "powerful advocates," adding that school officials have a responsibility to "ensure that every student develops the skills and knowledge to participate thoughtfully in a democracy."
More on the fight against hate
"The Public Schools of Brookline have taken and are continuing to take important steps to address issues of student safety, belonging, and inclusion — particularly with and for our students of color. However, it is clearly not enough. We have more work to do in this matter — at Brookline High and beyond — I encourage us to do so collectively as a community," the statement read.
Wednesday's protest came days after Brookline students walked out of classes as part of a nationwide protest against anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Students say they deserve to feel more included at school.
"I think it is disheartening as a Black student here at BHS. It feels like people don't care, and it is hard to go to a school and know people don't like you based on the color of your skin," student Jaelyn Onuoha said.
