New Kent High School students voice concerns over cultural differences and classifications

Concerns of cultural and classification differences continue to cause concern within the walls inside of New Kent High School. And those concerns were brought up at the New Kent School Board meeting Monday evening.

A survey conducted by Daphne Wray to students was presented to school leaders. The survey focused on bullying, dress code, inappropriate language, and the learning environment as a whole.

But that survey wasn’t as powerful as comments made by students involved in New Kent High School’s Diversity and Inclusion Club. The club, which focuses on racial and discrimination issues, has pushed for fairness and equality since a 2019 incident that revolved around two students receiving a letter that had derogatory language directed to two African-American students.

Three New Kent students spoke on the issue at Monday night’s board meeting, believing not much has been done and their concerns have been ignored.

“Everyone should come to school and feel safe,” said Isaiah Carr. “This group does not feel that the environment exists in New Kent High School.”

“You are black in New Kent, what do you expect?” commented Kiyah Stokes, saying that is one of the comments she heard a New Kent teacher direct to an African-American student after a racial note was found in the student’s bookbag.

Stokes said she hopes the school board takes their statements seriously.

“I am going to give them the opportunity to try, and if I don’t see that it is taken seriously, then I will be back for another meeting,” she commented. “I will continue to push until I see the change that students deserve.”