Parents, students tell Proviso Twp. HSD 209 board Black students are being 'gaslit' and not heard
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Summary
Parents and students addressed the Proviso Township High School District 209 board during public comment alleging that a Proviso West student was denied a Black History Month banner, pulled to the principal’s office, interrupted and 'gaslit.' Speakers urged the board to take equity and privacy concerns seriously.
A chorus of parents and students on Feb. 10 urged the Proviso Township High School District 209 board to investigate how Black students are treated at Proviso West and to ensure equal respect year‑round.
Della Patterson, a longtime parent and student advocate, said a Proviso West student requested a Black History Month banner and that school staff "refused" the request. Patterson said the student was taken to the principal’s office, not allowed to close the door, "spoken over," and later became "emotionally overwhelmed after being gaslit." Patterson told the board, "When a student speaks — right, wrong or indifferent — listen."
Student speaker Armani Phillips said privacy concerns have compounded the problem. "These concerns I have want to raise tonight is student privacy," Phillips said, describing repeated, similar reports from multiple students who felt "exposed rather than protected." Phillips asked the board to take the reports seriously and to provide consistent, respectful responses to student concerns.
Board members did not take formal action during public comment. Several community clergy and advocates said they would stand in solidarity with students and that they had come to observe and pray for positive outcomes. The board accepted the comments and moved into its agenda items.
The public record contains the speakers' statements and the board's acknowledgement; no formal investigation outcome or staff response was announced during the meeting. The board's administrative office would be the appropriate point of contact for follow‑up and any formal complaint process.
