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Student tells Owen J. Roberts board racist remarks are 'swept under the rug'; board pledges ad hoc committee
Summary
A student recounted witnessing racist comments and said reports are ignored; board members acknowledged the testimony, called it 'eye‑opening,' and committed to creating an ad hoc committee to address racism and inclusion in the upcoming year.
At the June 24 Owen J. Roberts School District meeting, a student said they had witnessed racist remarks among peers and that reported incidents were not sufficiently addressed, asking the board what it will do to make students who look like them feel supported.
"I still feel un—like many of my other peers I've witnessed teachers talk down while my neighborhood which is majority a African‑American population I witness kids at the school make racist remarks ... we report things and they get swept under the rug," the student, identified in the transcript as Isel Hill of East Vincent Township, said. She asked directly, "what can you guys do ... to make students who look like me ... feel supported and included within our school system?"
Board members thanked the student for speaking and said that families' stories shared at town halls have been "eye‑opening." One board member said they will prioritize the issue and work with administration, teachers and students to address concerns, and that an ad hoc committee to focus on these issues will be discussed during the summer goals meeting. The board asked administration to follow up and to present plans for next steps.
No formal policy vote occurred at the meeting; the board described this as a high priority for the coming year and committed to continued engagement and reporting back.
The board adjourned at approximately 6:56 p.m.
